The Punjab government has approved the establishment of the first Crime Control Department (CCD) aimed at tackling organized crime and enhancing public safety in the province. The initiative was given the green light by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz during a meeting on Wednesday.
Key Features of the CCD:
- Focus Areas: The CCD will focus on combating seven major types of organized crime, including drug trafficking, security at sensitive events, kidnapping, extortion, robbery, robbery-murder, and robbery-rape cases.
- Technology Integration: Modern technology will be used extensively, including drone surveillance. In the event of a crime, surveillance drones will be deployed within five minutes to monitor the scene and assist in immediate action.
- Specialized Units: The CCD will operate like the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) with a police station in every district. The department will target organized crime syndicates, land grabbers, and criminal gangs.
- Personnel and Structure: The CCD will have 4,258 officials, with 2,258 officers immediately transferred from the Punjab Police. It will be led by an additional Inspector General of Police (IGP), with several senior officers appointed at the divisional level.
- Resources and Legislation: The CM approved the establishment of buildings, vehicles, and modern equipment for the department. Steps will also be taken to ensure the department is properly legislated and resourced.
Additional Context:
- Specialization: The establishment of the CCD highlights the importance of specialized crime-fighting units within the police force. Previous crime control efforts lacked a centralized body for coordinated action against inter-district criminal groups.
- Coordination with Other Provinces: The CCD will also work closely with other provinces to tackle inter-provincial crime and criminals operating across borders.
- Cyber Crime and Riot Control: There are plans to establish additional specialized units, such as cyber crime and riot control departments, as part of a broader effort to modernize the police’s approach to crime.
The move is expected to bring a significant reduction in crime rates and provide a more efficient and coordinated response to organized criminal activities across Punjab.
