National Highways and Motorway Police

Pakistan Motorway Police patrolling M2 Motorway.

National Highway and Motorway Police (NH&MP) Pakistan is a Police Force responsible for the Law Enforcement of traffic rules and regulation on highways and newly constructed motorways of Pakistan.

History

The year 1997, marked the advent of a golden chapter in the history of policing in Pakistan, when it was decided to raise a modern, competent and efficient force for policing of the Motorway (M-2). There were more sceptics than supporters, as it was considered a utopian project, given the background of previous attempts made to reform the Police. While the intelligentsia scoffed at the idea, professional policemen were unanimous that it was not possible to improve the Police.

It goes to the credit of the dedicated team of new officers who stuck to the job and burnt the midnight oil to produce something unique and unmatchable. It is even more creditable when the outcome is viewed against the backdrop of serious time and resource constraints. The project was conceived originally by Mr. Afzal Ali Shigri three years earlier and a blueprint was prepared by him. He was ably assisted by Mr.Shamim Ahmed an officer of Nations Transport Research Cell (NTRC).In recognition of his contribution he was inducted in NH&MP and is presently working as Director, a senior staff assignment. After the fall of Nawaz Sharif Government this project was also put in the cold storage. This original concept was the basis for raising the force and bringing it on ground in a period of six months. The most astonishing aspect of the project was that serving policeman taken on deputation from all over Pakistan were weaned from their old habits and molded into an efficient, honest and dedicated team.

This daunting task was given to the then Inspector General Police Mr. Iftikhar Rashid and his team of a few dedicated Officers. It was these officers who undertook the impossible task of raising a professional and modern force for the M-2. The challenge was accepted by the leader of this motivated team. His boundless energy, unflinching determination, devotion to duty and inspiring leadership were responsible for motivating his team and producing unbelievable results. His vision and unflinching commitment helped him to cross the Rubicon. The British Motorway Police Trainers, after seeing this force in operations, remarked that the new force was even better than the British Motorway Police.

This new force quickly earned the respect and appreciation of millions of road users. Not a single day passes without praise and prayers for this force from the travellers on the Motorways & Highways. It will not be irrelevant to mention here that no fresh recruitment was initially made, and even average and below average Police Officers, from the Police set-ups of the provinces were taken on deputation and were put through intensive training and motivational programs.

All efforts were to mould this force as true public servants. The result of this great venture astonished everyone, even the dedicated team of officers who raised this force. It is also an astonishing fact that the officers, who were allegedly indulging in heinous malpractices in the provinces, have become noble, honest, and efficient officers. It has been established beyond any doubt that given the proper working conditions and good leadership, our provincial police forces can also perform wonders.

The Government, recognising the excellent performance of the Motorway Police, has expanded the network of NH&MP to all the National Highways. Initially starting policing on the Peshawar-Karachi National Highway (N-5). This decision again brought out criticism and some dissenting voices were raised. Every critic had visualized certain failures of this new department, on taking up the policing of N-5. The apprehensions were understandable, taking into consideration the complexity of the traffic, attitude of drivers and behaviour of the pedestrians on the Highways of Pakistan. Again the task was a very difficult one, and the goodwill and pride already achieved on the Motorway, were also at stake.

NH&MP taken over the policing of N-5, with effect from June 2001, which has proved very successful. With this success the Government has decided to handover all highways of Pakistan to NH&MP in phases. Now from February 2007 NH&MP has started policing on Makran Coastal Highway (N-10) which is a very challenging task.

Today, by the grace of Allah, we have at least one institution, i.e. the NH&MP, whose efficiency is being praised by people from all walks of life. From the very first day of its existence, the NH&MP has earned the good will and faith of the general public. Perhaps for the first time in the history of Pakistan, a Police Force is being lauded for its honesty, integrity, behaviour, help, and public service. In the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) report for the year 2002, it was reported that NH&MP is perhaps the only corruption free department in the country. The Prime Minister of Pakistan Mr. Shaukat Aziz declared this force as “Island of Excellence”. Now the people are demanding that this department may be declared as “Model” and this experiment may be implemented on the other departments. In its first instance, this experiment has been implemented on the Islamabad Model City Traffic Police.

The dawn of the year 2009 saw the National Highways & Motorway Police enter its 12th year of operations on the National Highways & Motorways of the country.

Salient features

1. Manageable span of control - SP manages 250 officers and an ASP/DSP (Chief Patrol Officer) about 60 officers.
2. For optimum efficiency, force functions in three shifts.
3. Force comprises Educated Officers.
4. Emphasis is given on smart turnout and professionalism.
5. Effective accountability and senior command accountable for misdeeds of subordinates.
6. No documents seized during any violation of traffic rules by the commuters.
7. No interference from any quarter.
8. Complete delegation of authority and responsibility.
9. Only moving violations checked. Force responsible for traffic discipline, safety of commuters and initial action in crimes.
10. Better pay, conducive working conditions, dependable mobility, intensive professional training and induction of foreign trainers are critical factors for the success of NH&MP department.
11. Officer cadre for enforcement.
12. Close supervision and effective command.
13. Distinct uniform and smart turn out.
14. 50% of fine collected on the Motorways/Highways utilized for road safety, rewards and welfare of the force.
15. SOPs for all operational activities.
16. Adoption of Ticketing System.
17. Welfare Projects including Scholarships, financial assistance for daughter’s marriage, burial assistance, welfare petrol pumps and special quota in jobs for Shaheed’s Children.

Selection and training

Before start of policing on M – 2 (Islamabad – Lahore Motorway) in 1997 all the officers were selected from within the existing police set ups of the country and an extensive training program was prepared for them in order to bring them up to international standards of Motorway/Expressway policing. Both local and foreign instructors imparted the training. Local training was given at Police College Sihala. To meet the international standards, experts from UK and Nordic Countries were invited who, along with local experts, trained our officers in advance driving skills and management of various types of incidents. A foreign training course with South Wales Police, U.K. and German Police in Kiel was also conducted to ameliorate personnel of this flourishing force up to the global standard of policing. In addition, services of armed forces were also utilized for advance driving skills particularly for motorcycles.

In order to impart customized training related to Highways/Motorway NH&MP has set up its own Training Center at Sheikhupura with the following mandate:

i) To train the newly selected Officers on basic police course.

ii) To organize NH&MP orientation training of already trained Officers.

iii) To organize Driving Training for fresh recruited Officers.

iv) To organize advance courses for Drivers to make them Driving Instructors.

v) To organize Wireless training courses for Wireless Operators.

vi) To organize short courses on SOPs & functioning of NH&MP.

vii) To organize technical courses on use of Misc. Equipment (Provida, Wireless Sets etc.).

viii) To organize courses on Physical Fitness.

ix) To organize Fire Shooting Course.

x) To organize First Aid Training Course.

xi) To conduct promotional exams for different cadres.

xii) To conduct refresher courses for senior officers.

xiii) To act as a platform for provision of training by foreign experts.

Training Institute is working at its full swing and since January 2006, has trained over 129 trainers in different categories. Training Institute has the honor to train over 400 officers of Islamabad Model Traffic Police and recently trained 40 Senior Officers of Punjab Traffic Police as Trainers to train over 6000 newly recruited Traffic Wardens of Punjab Police. Besides this training Institute has successfully completed Lower Intermediate and Upper Class Promotion Courses in addition to a number of Capacity Building short courses like orientation for Deputationists, Refresher Courses for the CPOs/Admin Officers, Moharrars, Weapon handling, Record Keeping etc. Another landmark for the Training Institute is to complete on its own 1st Commando Course for about 27 Officers with 10 Officers doing Para Gliding Courses including 4 lady Officers.

It is worth mentioning that all the above development have been made with the limited available resources under the previous guidance and encouragement of the Worthy Inspector General, NH&MP who has been taking personal interest to make the Training Institute a hub of learning and road model for all other Police Training Institute in the country.

Training strategy

After study of the current policing system and the culture... a comprehensive training strategy is devised to build a force which is honest, professional, dedicated and service – oriented. Main elements of the training strategy in NH&MP are:

• TNA to assess training needs • SWOT Analysis Training Techniques • Quality Instructors • Modern Techniques of Instruction 1.Syndicate/Participative System 2.Simulation Exercises 3.Case Studies 4.Driving Skills • Respectful Training Environment • Foreign Training

Selection criteria and requirements

SPO (Senior Patrolling Officer) 16 Graduation at least 2nd Division (Preferably Law) and LTV Driving Licence 20 Years to 27 Years 5' 8" for Male 5'4" for Female 3.5 to 35 with Expansion for Male only.

PO (Patrolling Officer) 14 Graduation at least 2nd Division and LTV Driving Licence 18 Years to 25 Years 5' 8" for Male 5'4" for Female 33.5 to 35 with Expansion for Male only.

APO (Assistant Patrolling Officer) 07 Intermediate, LTV Driving Licence, 03 Years driving experience 18 Years to 25 Years 5' 8" for Male 5'4" for Female 33.5 to 35 with Expansion for Male only.

JPO (Junior Patrolling Officer) 05 Matric, LTV Driving Licence, 03 Years driving experience 18 Years - 25 Years 5' 8" for Male 5'4" for Female 33.5 to 35 with Expansion for Male only.

Selection method

In all the above categories of selection the candidate has to go through a thorough selection process. Candidate has to:

• Submit complete application in all respects.

• Qualify the physical test including running, height and chest measurements etc.

• Pass the written test.

• Pass the Interview.

The selected candidates are examined for medical fitness. Physically and mentally fit candidates are then ready for National Highways & Motorway Police Training.

Vehicles and equipment

Scientific and latest equipment are procured by spending huge government exchequer and utilized to curb the tendency of violation on National Highways & Motorway. The list of some useful equipment is as under:-

i) Provida 2000/Vascar: This radar is fitted with video and it not only detects speed but also has a printer, which gives the picture of the vehicle along with detail of prescribed speed and actual speed of the vehicle. This has helped NH&MP in preventing corruption and argument amongst commuter and police officer.

ii) Hand Held Radar/Laser Gun: This is a gun like radar and is used to detect speed but cannot record it.

iii) Emergency/Accident: This includes emergency Equipment/Boards like “ Accident Ahead “, Traffic Diversion Cones and Cone Lights etc., which are used to secure the areas of accident/incident both during day and night.

iv) Search Light: For surveillance at night, every vehicle is provided with a search light with a power of 400,000 C.P., which helps in detecting any criminal activity and in case of accident/incident etc. at night.

v) Video/Still Camera: Each sector is provided with one each of Video Camera and Still Camera in order to make video film and photographs of the area of the accident/incident.

vi) First Aid Boxes: NH&MP is the first to reach at the site of accident/incident. They have been given special training to provide first aid to the injured on the spot.

vii) Communications System: NH&MP is using latest equipment for Wireless Communication through repeater based/direct UHF, VHF’s.

viii) Weber Hydraulic Cutters: NH&MP have also recently procured 47 Weber Hydraulic Cutters as Rescue equipment. This equipment helps in effective Accident Management and Recovery of injured persons.

ix) Night Vision Speed Checking Devices: NH&MP are also planning to procure night vision speed checking devices to improve the quality of work of this elite force.

x) NH&MP Fleet : In addition NH&MP is using latest fleet of vehicles which includes Land Cruisers, Toyota Corolla Cars, Double Cabins, Mazda Tow Trucks, Hiace Vans and Suzuki 500 CC and 750 CC Motorcycles. The vehicles are maintained up to standards in order to keep them road worthy and are replaced after completing the prescribed mileage.

See also

• Highway patrol

External links

• www.nhmp.gov.pk