ON March I the present government introduced a new initiative called service delivery system in nine Dhaka metropolitan police stations whereby each station shall have a designated officer for filing and recording of public complaints. By March, the method found its way in all the remaining 24 stations of the city. It is worthwhile noting that the new move has not only changed for better the hitherto unfriendly atmosphere prevailing in police stations, but also helped revive some of the people's lost confidence in the police.

More and more people are now arriving at the police stations and registering individual complaints and cases, so much so that till 15 March, a staggering 1395 cases were recorded as against an average of 200 per month.

Considering benefits the system will yield, if used to its full potential, it does commend itselfasa very good move worth replicable in at least all major cities.

We are, however, apprehensive about the sustainability of the system under given circumstances. When there has already been a phenomenal increase in cases to be dealt with by a particular police station, the total number of officers available for investigation remains static. Besides, whatever number of investigating officers there are remain considerably burdened by multifarious duties which, among other things, include patrol duties at odd hours of day and night. It is thus imperative that the police stations be duly equipped with manpower and resources without further delay if the system is to become result-oriented and indeed be able to come in aid of the people.

It is also relevant and important to remember that if the sub-inspectors, for one reason or the other, fail to investigate properly cases they have been entrusted with, it may lead to eventual denial of justice. Recruitment to the vacancies at each of the police stations should therefore be completed with great urgency. Officers selected on merit should also be well-trained and professionally committed. A mere stop-gap arrangement by shuffling of an officer from one location to another may prove counterproductive.