Exploring the Factors Affecting Police Service Delivery in District Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan: An Analysis of Public Perspective

Abstract

Police, as one of the law enforcement agencies, ensure peace and security in different parts of the country, including district Swat. However, their effective service delivery and significance were affected during the wave of militancy and Talibanization in district Swat, which led to chaos and insecurity in the area. This daunting situation of insecurity resulted in public despair and distrust, even in the presence of the Police. Meanwhile, many of the local inhabitants raised questions about police services. This less effective role of the Police and the resultant insecurity became the subject of the researchers' discussion. In this study, an attempt has been made to unveil the public perspective on police failure in their services. It also seeks and addresses policy changes to improve policing and mitigate these issues to ensure effective police services in the region. This study was conducted in the Swat district. The study employed qualitative methodologies like interviews and observations to capture a rich, in-depth community perspective. Research participants were chosen based on their experiences and familiarity with the police department. The collected data have been analyzed in the form of various themes. The findings show that many factors have affected the service delivery of Police. However, the significant factors among them are insufficient resources, the indulgence of Police in corruption, trust deficit and lack of cooperation, and slow police response to the crime scenes. However, sufficient resources, trust building, public cooperation and coordination, and rigorous and quick response to crime and criminality are some measures that can make Police more effective in their service delivery.