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    Punjab Highway Patrol

    Introduction

    The Chief Minister of the Punjab announced the establishment of Patrolling Posts on the highways throughout the province on 8th January 2003. The object was to provide security to the people traveling on the highways and improve thana (police station) culture. Initially 450 Patrolling Posts were sanctioned in two phases.  Later on 72 Patrolling Posts were sanctioned on the recommendations of RPOs, DPOs, MNAs, MPAs and general public.

    By 31st March 2010, 288 have become operational and remaining will soon be commissioned. 9145 constables, 1000 Wireless operators and 1000 Driver-constables have been recruited. They receive a special pay package. The Punjab Highway Patrol is headed by an officer of the rank of Additional Inspector-General of Police.

    Objectives

    • Control crime on highways with a system of foot and mobile patrol within an area extending to 220  feet on either side of the designated highways
    • Apprehend criminals and hand them over to the local police
    • Preserve the crime scene and inform the local police after commission of an offence
    • Take measures to control traffic accidents
    • In case of accident, provide first aid to the injured and transport the seriously injured to hospital
    • Serve as reporting centres and provide emergency help in the form of guidance and road-side assistance
    • Keep the highways clear of encroachments in coordination with the competent authority
    • Conduct effective nakabandi (picketing on roads/highways) to stop a suspect vehicle following a crime or an accident
    • Check over-speeding and use of pressure horns in public service vehicles
    • Ensure round the clock presence of uniformed, well trained, well educated, alert and vigilant force
    • Traffic management on 12 Highways across the province

    Distinctive Uniform

    In order to distinguish Punjab Highway Patrol from general police, a special uniform has been designed.

    Training

    In addition to regular police training, the personnel of Punjab Highway Patrol have been given instruction in the following areas:

    • Character Building
    • Principles of patrolling
    • Preservation of the scene of crime
    • Stop, search and arrest
    • First Aid
    • Public Dealing / Community Policing
    • Safety and Cleanliness
    • Traffic Management
    • Punjab Highway Patrol officials are being imparted with special training through different refresher courses to enhance their capabilities 

    (Source: DSP/PHP)