Crime Investigation Culture in Pakistan: A Focus on Social Dynamics of Forensic Science

Abstract

The chaotic conditions of the country are alarming. This issue needs solutions, research must be done on crime investigation and the culture influencing it, the inclusion of forensic science to it is facing some limitations and restrictions. This research targeted to document the contemporary methods of investigating the crime and praxis the commandments of Pakistan penal code. The level of awareness of forensic science present among the citizens as per a scientific inquiry and as local knowledge was checked. Social and cultural constraints which serve as a hindrance during the criminal investigations are probed from the stakeholders and enumerated. This sanctioned and emphasized the need to introduce modern investigative methods as suggested by the experts and practitioners in present culture of criminal investigation of Pakistan. The research was conducted in multiple locales. Major cities of Punjab where forensic facilities are available were selected purposively from the Punjab province. The victims and criminals interviewed were from all over Pakistan which gave an overall picture of crime investigation culture in Pakistan. Other respondents included investigation officers, police officers and ranks, forensic scientists, medico legal doctors, judges and lawyers. Qualitative method of data analysis was adopted throughout the research. Convenience sampling was done at first, later snow ball sampling technique was used majorly to gather data. Unstructured interviews were conducted. Participant observation helped to collect the insights of reality to relevant culture. The ethics of the research were maintained throughout the research. Thematic and conversational analysis was done. The findings present flaws of system, lack of scientific investigative methods, lack of systematic approach among investigators, cultural barriers that hinder investigation. The culture and its constraints are much prevailing entities than the system of crime investigation and justice. Corruption and extra judicial activities are the most significant problems in this regard. There exits an interdependence of each department on one other. These departments run in the form of a chain, this chain runs and regulates the system, if one part of this chain lags the whole function of the chain is disturbed, for instance the forensic agencies working honestly and doing their jobs efficiently have produced their part in contribution of crime investigation but if the judiciary will delay the hearings or perform the corrupt part the effort of former department gets wasted as well. (Abbas, 2011) The lags in this culture of crime investigation are also because of lack of awareness among masses which leads to evidence lost eventually resulting in unresolved crime. This research contains the precursor for future researches in respective perspectives, the discussions and recommendations present solutions for the observed issues