Police Reforms And Their Impact On The Efficiency Of Police Departments In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract

The research study examined aspects of efficiency, autonomy, and accountability of the Police Reforms Act of 2017 launched in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Pakistan. The Police Act 2017 introduced modernized professional standards while creating trust between the police force and the public. The research considered the past issues stemming from[1] political control and administrative inefficiency. The research evaluates the organizational impact of these reforms alongside public policing methods and active issues that require continued attention. The Public Management Theory and Institutional Theory served to explain how the Police Act affects decentralization and transparency. In addition, the study used a quantitative research design in which the focus was on the KP police department. The Study utilized purposive sampling and data was collected from Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs), and Superintendents of Police (SPs), through structured questionnaires. 150 officers were purposively surveyed and the data were analyzed using SPSS for statistical conclusions. However, it was found that the end of political interference and the reforms significantly improved police autonomy, merit-based promotion, and community-based policing. Crime reduction was also recorded, but new crime patterns were noted which needed further adaptation. Finally, the study concludes by pointing out the KP police reforms have made some positive strides, while political influence and resource allocation should be dealt with sustainable success.