TDS Desk:

The Police Reform Commission (PRC) has recommended increasing women’s police numbers from the existing 16,801 to at least 29,248 which is only eight percent of the total police force, to reduce the huge gender gap and increase public services.

“Increase the desired number of women police officers in Cyber Support for Women and other units and offices from the current 16,801 to at least 29,248,” the PRC suggested in its recent report submitted to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.

The PRC said currently, the number of female police officers in various roles, including police stations, is only eight percent, which is completely inadequate to increase public service.

“To increase the number of women police officers, posts should be created in the current organogram, it opined.

It also said that women-centric services such as the Victim Support Centre, Women Support and Investigation Division, and Police Cyber Support for Women should be established in 64 districts.

The PRC said training programmes should be continued and regular monitoring should be carried out to ensure gender and child sensitivity among the police.

“The rules and regulations in the existing laws in the relevant areas should be strictly followed,” it opined.

The PRC said that arrangements for changing/dressing/breastfeeding corners should be made for women (victims/detainees) and female police members arriving at each police station.

Hygienic housing facilities for both men and women should be ensured in dormitories (separate restrooms, toilets, and separate dining rooms for men and women), it added.