LAHORE – The Punjab policemen seem to be having a bad time with the recently introduced olive green uniform as scores of officers termed wearing the refurbished outfit a ‘miserable’ experience.
A survey report compiled by a team constituted by the inspector general of police (IGP) Punjab after getting feedback from policemen regarding the colour, pattern, appearance, and comfort of the new uniform suggests that the officers did not like the idea of ‘re-branding’.
Most of the reviews collected were negative with law enforcers complaining that the new uniform too was not conducive to the severe humid season.
An assistant sub-inspector while sharing his views expressed that in the new uniform, people called them postmen and some even laughed at them adding that the old uniform had a status attached to it which the new one does not.
The ASI said the police do not need a new uniform, they need facilities and better working conditions.
The official while highlighting the issued faced by the department disclosed that they had to spend their own money during investigations or put the burden on the family of victims or the accused when they are transported to jail.
‘Only the police officials who are investigating murders are paid from the investigation funds but even that is insufficient,’ he said and further stated that investigation officers had to bribe officials of the prosecution branch to clear the investigation report or they reject it.
The official said that the IGP should look into these issues rather than forcing the police to wear a uniform they do not like.
The police in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Faisalabad and Sheikhupura had started donning the new dark olive green uniform last month and the remaining units of police in Punjab were directed to switch their uniforms by December 2017.
All police officers were given two uniform kits consisting of two pairs of trousers, two shirts, two round neck shirts, a belt and badges but were asked to use the shoes that came with the old uniforms.
The IGP had directed the survey committee to submit recommendations for either making changes in the uniform, leave it as it is or revert to the old uniform.
