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. 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 operation
al and remaining will soon be commissioned. 9145 constables, 1000 Wireless operators and 1000 Driver-constables have been recruited. 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
Dinstinctive 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
