KARACHI: In a bid to enhance transparency and professionalism within the Sindh Police Department, Inspector General (IG) Ghulam Nabi Memon has introduced a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the appointment and transfer of Station House Officers (SHOs) across the province.
Under the new policy, only officers who have completed the Upper School Course will be eligible for SHO postings, and those facing corruption charges or serious criminal cases will be automatically disqualified. The power to appoint SHOs has now been delegated to the respective district’s Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), with a committee consisting of the Range DIG and SSP overseeing the process to ensure fairness.
Each appointed SHO will serve a minimum term of one year, except in cases of misconduct, poor performance, or physical incapacity. Additionally, officers cannot be posted as SHOs in their home districts without prior approval from IG Sindh, and no officer can be reposted to the same police station within three years of their previous assignment there.
Transfers of SHOs before completing their tenure can only occur due to corruption, inefficiency, or prolonged official inquiries lasting more than 30 days. Officers removed under such conditions will be ineligible for reappointment for at least one year.
Outgoing SHOs must formally transfer all official records and property to their successors to ensure a smooth transition. The police training branch and establishment wing have been tasked with conducting regular professional development courses to enhance officers’ skills.
This reform, aimed at institutionalizing meritocracy and addressing malpractices, has been welcomed by law enforcement experts, who view it as a positive step toward restoring public trust in the police force.
