Police Reforms 2026: A Shift Toward Citizen-Centered Policing
When citizens walk into a police station, they should feel protected—not humiliated. This policy promises dignity. Now the public will watch whether the police deliver.
Public trust does not come from uniforms. It comes from behavior.
To rebuild confidence and improve accountability, Lahore Capital City Police have launched a new policy framework for 2026. This policy directly links the performance of Station House Officers (SHOs) and other officials to public feedback.
Performance Tied to Public Feedback
Under the new framework, public opinion will directly affect evaluations. Police leadership will measure officers by how citizens experience them. Every interaction will matter. Every complaint will count.
026 Declared a “Transition Year”
The department has declared 2026 as a transition year. Police officials, from constable to SHO, must address men as “Sir” and women as “Mam.” They must treat every visitor with dignity and respect. The goal is simple: improve the police image and restore public confidence.
Polce Stations to Become Citizen Facilitation Centres
Police stations will no longer function as complaint deterrents. They will operate as citizen facilitation centers. Visitors will receive guidance, not hostility. Officials will prioritize service over authority.
Long-Standing Issue: Rude Behavior
Senior officials admit a harsh reality. Rude conduct inside police stations has damaged trust for decades.
The department now aims to reverse this culture. Leadership wants to replace fear with cooperation.
Existing Infrastructure to Support the Policy
Lahore currently has 84 police stations. These stations operate with multiple chowkis and Police Khidmat Markaz facilities. They already provide FIR registration, character certificates, and verification services. The new policy will strengthen these services with accountability.
Mandatory Visitor Feedback
SHOs, Muharrars, and station staff must record feedback from every visitor. They must document the experience from the gate to the main office. No interaction will go unreviewed. Public opinion will become official record.
Emergency Response Now Part of Performance Review
The department will link 15 emergency helpline response time to station performance.
Patrolling units will also fall under this evaluation. This step closes the gap between field response and station accountability.
Checkpoints Under the Same Standards
The same performance rules will apply to police checkpoints. Complaints about unnecessary stoppages and harassment have increased. Identity verification will remain lawful. Officers will not use security checks to inconvenience citizens.
New Guidelines for Check Posts
Police authorities have issued strict operational guidelines. Officers must follow them in letter and spirit.
The aim is to end routine harassment and rebuild trust at public checkpoints.
Zero Tolerance for Misconduct
Any discourteous behavior or misuse of authority will invite immediate action. The department will initiate fast-track disciplinary measures. Penalties will include transfers and suspensions. No rank will receive protection.
Why These Reforms Matter
Reports of aggressive police behavior have hurt public perception.
The department recognizes the damage. Leadership now prioritizes service delivery over intimidation.
Accountability in Action: 2025 Record
The department enforced strict accountability in 2025. Over 470 officers faced disciplinary or legal action. Charges included misconduct, negligence, and abuse of authority. Police leadership claims these actions strengthened discipline and public confidence.
Zero Tolerance Reinforced: SHO Suspension
The department recently suspended Ichhra SHO Mohammad Ilyas. Officials took action due to his failure to ensure public safety. Leadership described this step as a message to the entire force. No one stands above accountability.
A New Policing Culture
Senior officials say this suspension marks a broader reform. Police stations and checkpoints will focus on citizens first. DIG Operations Faisal Kamran has reinforced this message across the force. He told divisional SPs that public protection and performance remain non-negotiable.
Critical Analysis
This policy represents a significant shift toward community-oriented policing. Linking performance to public feedback can increase accountability and improve service culture. However, the effectiveness of the reform will depend on three key factors:
- Implementation Integrity: If feedback collection becomes a formality, the system will lose credibility. Independent audits and digital monitoring can help maintain transparency.
- Protection from Internal Pressure: Junior officers may face resistance from entrenched hierarchies. Leadership must ensure that reporting mechanisms remain free from internal interference.
- Sustained Enforcement: Past reforms often lost momentum after initial publicity. Consistent disciplinary action will determine whether this initiative creates lasting change or becomes another symbolic gesture.
If enforced without favoritism, this policy can rebuild trust between police and citizens. If ignored, it will deepen public skepticism.