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POLICE stations are seen as a state’s physical and operational manifestation, where victims must feel the state’s protective presence. They must function as ‘shock therapy’ centres, a frontline service and protectors of human liberties. In the age of technology, are more police stations needed in districts, or can existing ones be supplemented by e-police stations?
Police stations may vary in size, jurisdiction and tasks. In ancient Rome, the Vigiles saw to law enforcement. Asia and the Middle East lacked permanent establishments; the military and local magistrates performed the task of policing. In the UK, Robert Peel created police stations to serve as patrol bases, lockups and administrative offices. France adopted a centralised structure, with police posts across cities. Municipal police departments emerged in US cities. Japan has community policing — the Koban system based in small neighbourhoods, focusing on building community trust.
As per Police Rules, 1934, in Pakistan, the number of police stations is based on population and crime rates. Insecurity and terrorism must also be factored in. Police stations operate in notified jurisdictions or have specialised tasks like women protection, cybercrime and excise. Rural outpost stations operate in Pakistan, India and Canada, with fewer facilities and staff. Globally, police are transitioning from force to public service; in postcolonial states, police chiefs overlook police-public mistrust. Police stations present a shabby look and hardly cater to victims’ needs. Today, model police stations are set up without evaluating service delivery. Taxpayers must know how they differ from traditional ones.
