Computerized record to bring change in “Thana Culture : Dr. Umar Saif

Lahore: Chairman Punjab Information Technology Board Dr. Umar Saif has said that besides other many constructive steps taken so far, 11 out of 25 registers being maintained manually in police stations of the city have been computerized under Police Station Office Record Management System.

He disclosed it during a meeting held in his office on Wednesday. “Being used in the entire process of reporting a crime, its investigation and court proceedings, the automated registers may play a key role in provision of speedy and easy justice to the citizens. The manual maintenance had its own complications such as anticipated mistakes, delayed investigation, tempering in record and arduous paperwork while the technology made it easier to overcome such flaws” he added.

Dr. Saif said “the process of computerization started from FIR/Complaint Register which is replaced by online registration whereas Muharrir or hawaldar is replaced by the Front Desk Officer now. Elaborating the details, he said “Register No. 2 named as Daily Diary is used to record day, hour and purpose of complaint or FIR entered, arrival and departure of duty staff and the hour of receipt & dispatch of Communications, Property and cash.

Another register saves data of absconders and deserters along with number of cases registered in their home Police Station and the list of absconders having cases registered in other Police Stations but likely to visit the home Police Station.

The Search Slip Register shows dispatch of all search slips sent to Finger Print Bureau while Parvi (pursuing) Register maintains the record pertaining to the date-wise progress in all criminal cases sent to the court by the police. Other registers automated by the PITB include Village Crime Register, Surveillance Register, Index to History Sheets and Personal Files Register, Information Sheets Register, Register of Police officers’ list, Store Register and Diary & Dispatch Register.”

Dr. Umar Saif further said that due to the exhaustive paper work, the police stations usually lack in resources, sufficient personnel and satisfactory pace of investigation and court proceedings. Even non availability of basic stationery items often instigated severe public criticism, but now once equipped with the technology, these hurdles would be removed from the police stations, he added.

“The automated registers are undergoing departmental review. Once tested and approved by the Police Department, the Police Station Office Record Management System will be replicated in entire province which will bring a positive and visible change in the notorious “Thana Culture” of Punjab ultimately, Dr. Saif concluded.