WHILE corruption in police ranks is pervasive in Pakistan, it nevertheless comes as a shock to know that close to 10 per cent of the Islamabad Police has been penalised for illegal activities and poor performance. According to a report, the Islamabad Police took disciplinary action against 925 of its members ranging from constables to inspectors.

The total strength of the force is over 10,000. The action was taken under a new accountability system in which police performance is being closely monitored. Punishments range from the termination of service, suspension and demotion to salary deduction, the stopping of increments and censure. Deviant behaviour in police ranks includes extortion, the patronising of gambling dens, liquor theft and looking the other way when under-trial prisoners escape.

The fact that errant policemen are being punished should be reassuring. Nevertheless, what is disconcerting is that some suspended policemen have alleged that they have been disciplined for refusing to obey the illegal orders of their superiors. It is also strange that no policeman above the rank of inspector has been found to be corrupt. This exercise in accountability can only be effective if it entails a sincere effort at controlling corruption within police ranks. It should not be a mere public-relations exercise to justify the new and improved salary package that was approved for the force earlier this year. Ensuring that those handling accountability in the force are honest is the key to success.

Police corruption cannot be completely eradicated, but we can hope to control it at a certain level. In this effort, the public too has a role to play. It must resist harassment and intimidation by corrupt policemen and refrain from bribing them. By giving in to corrupt elements in the police force, the public will only contribute to the very menace that it has been denouncing for years.