RAWALPINDI: The federal government has asked the police and intelligence departments to follow Interpol’s guidelines to stay safe and effectively combat criminals who might be taking advantage of the coronavirus pandemic.

The international criminal police agency recently expressed its concern that criminals were looking for ways to exploit the fear and uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus.

The agency called for enhanced vigilance for certain key crimes such as counterfeit medical products, fraud and cybercrime.

The guidelines issued by Interpol provide information on how officers can protect themselves and their families.

IGP Punjab orders laboratory tests on police officers and officials

The guidelines warn of emerging crimes linked to pandemic, including intimidation and deliberate dissemination attempts, fraud or phishing, cybercrime and counterfeiting.

With police routinely running into dangerous situations to protect their communities, the guidelines are intended to be considered by law enforcement agencies as a part of the response strategy to the outbreak in line with recommendations by national public health authorities.

Interpol Secretary General Jürgen Stock said police are facing enormous pressure because of the Covid-19.

He said these guidelines outline both the current and emerging crime threats linked to the pandemic as well as advice on how officers should protect themselves and the communities they serve.

“We are in this together, and Interpol will continue to provide whatever assistance our 194 member countries need,” added the Interpol chief.

Interpol’s specialist crime units will share latest trends and threats related to the pandemic with its command and coordination centre ensuring calls for assistance are answered.

The agency has issued a global threat assessment on crime and policing to its 194 member countries, including Pakistan.

It outlined the ‘crime lifecycle’ to help law enforcement agencies in countries which are now being affected and identified the challenges facing police across different regions as well as best practices and measures to mitigate the effects of Covid-19-related crimes.

Following Interpol’s guidelines, the National Police Bureau asked the police, intelligence, FIA and Nacta to follow the guidelines and take necessary action.

Responding to the government’s directives, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab Shoaib Dastagir decided to conduct laboratory tests on police officers and officials across the province to ensure prevention of the spread of the virus.

Laboratory tests of all young police personnel who are on coronavirus related duties should be conducted on a group-wise priority basis.

In group A are police officers or officials deputed on hospital quarantine duty, in group B, those performing duties on Ehsaas cash disbursement programme, in group C, the personnel who have been deployed on checkpoints/any other duty that involves frisking or searching.

Similarly, group D comprised officers who are doing other duties where frequent public interaction takes place.

The IGP directed to expedite the process of testing for which the acquiescence of the provincial government has already been gained. The field officers have been directed to accomplish the task in consultation with the district administration and the concerned health authorities.

Published in Dawn, May 6th, 2020