Police told to follow Interpol guidelines for safety.

Byline: Mohammad Asghar

RAWALPINDI -- The federal government has asked the police and intelligence departments to follow Interpol's guidelines to stay safe and effectively combat criminals who might be taking advantage of the coronavirus pandemic.

The international criminal police agency recently expressed its concern that criminals were looking for ways to exploit the fear and uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus.

The agency called for enhanced vigilance for certain key crimes such as counterfeit medical products, fraud and cybercrime.

The guidelines issued by Interpol provide information on how officers can protect themselves and their families.

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The guidelines warn of emerging crimes linked to pandemic, including intimidation and deliberate dissemination attempts, fraud or phishing, cybercrime and counterfeiting.

With police routinely running into dangerous situations to protect their communities, the guidelines are intended to be considered by law enforcement agencies as a part of the response strategy to the outbreak in line with recommendations by national public health authorities.

Interpol Secretary General Jrgen Stock said police are facing enormous pressure because of the Covid-19.

He said these guidelines outline both the current and emerging crime threats linked to the pandemic as well as advice on how officers should protect themselves and the communities they serve.

'We are in this together, and Interpol will continue to provide whatever assistance our 194 member countries need,' added the Interpol chief.

Interpol's specialist crime units will share latest trends and threats related to the pandemic with its command and coordination centre ensuring calls for assistance are answered.

The agency has issued a global threat assessment on crime and policing to its 194 member countries, including Pakistan.

It outlined the 'crime lifecycle' to help law...

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