HARIPUR, May 6: The district police officer has appointed 240 special police officers from different villages in the limits of eight police stations to control crime and maintain law and order in the district.

Keeping in view the shortage of personnel in the force, provincial chief of police empowered the DPO through a standing order to appoint special police officers and village watchmen for special reasons and occasions.

According to the order, the special police officers would be headed by a respectable, impartial, resourceful and well-reputed helper of police from every village. The person would perform his duty as volunteer and would be appointed by SHO and SDPO with the approval of DPO. He would further appoint special police officers in each village with the consultation of SHO, SDPO and DPO.

The police officer while recommending the names of volunteer and his special police officers would ensure that these officers were having no political affiliations.

According to guidelines given in the standing order the special police officers would be allowed to use their licensed arms during patrolling along with police and act according to the direction of police officer. Timetable of patrolling would be designed by the police officer and displayed at the police stations. Quarterly meetings of the heads of special police officers would be held with DPO for exchanging information and guidelines.

These special police officers would be issued with identity cards for one year that would be subject to renewal. They would enjoy the immunities and powers same like that of a regular police officer.

When contacted, District Police Officer Nasir Mehmood Satti confirmed that at least 240 special police officers 30 each from eight police stations of the district were appointed and their names were forwarded to DIG Hazara Range and Provincial Police Officer for approval.

He said that formation of new force of volunteers would replace the centuries old redundant Chowkidari system that used to keep close liaison with the police department pertaining to identification and prevention of criminal activities in countryside areas.

Mr Satti expressed the hope that the formation of village force would contribute to minimising the criminal activities and protecting the life and property of citizens.