Policing With Professionalism

Afghanistan’s First Female District Police Chief Takes Command in the Heart of Kabul

UNIPATH STAFF

Gen. Jamila Bayaz’s Kabul police district takes in some of the most important neighborhoods in all of Afghanistan. If the presidential palace, government ministries and the country’s central bank weren’t enough, the general is also responsible for providing security for some of the nation’s most important bazaars and money exchanges.

A career police officer whose exemplary service helped her rise to the top of the police hierarchy, Gen. Bayaz is part of an elite corps of women in a force that remains nearly 99 percent male. Her promotion to district police chief in April 2014 — a role in which she commands 400 officers — marked an important milestone in the security of the country.

“I decided to join the police force in 1978 after graduating from high school and getting accepted to both the Faculty of Engineering and the Academy of Police,” the general told Unipath. “I strongly felt a pull to wear the police uniform and serve the Afghan people as a police officer. It has been an honor working my way up the ranks by demonstrating high performance and earning the trust of my colleagues.”

Gen. Bayaz is a second-generation police officer who has followed in the footsteps of her father. As a mother of five, she’s successfully balanced her domestic and professional lives. Since the country’s liberation from the Taliban, she’s become an expert in counternarcotics. As she makes her rounds wearing a pressed gray uniform and black headscarf, Gen. Bayaz feels welcomed not just by her colleagues but by the larger society she serves.

The nation’s nearly 1,600 female police officers perform important duties in this largely traditional society. Female crime victims may feel more comfortable talking to a female officer. Women can also search areas traditionally off limits to men.

“I have not encountered visible negative reaction from the Afghan society toward the presence of myself as a female police officer or the role of the women in this regard,” Gen. Bayaz said. “On the contrary, I have received encouragement and support as a whole, particularly from other Afghan women and colleagues in general.”

Building professionalism in the police force — and in the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) at large — has been a passion for Gen. Bayaz, as it has been for many other police chiefs. Combating the violent extremists and criminals that have tried to take advantage of decades of conflict in Afghanistan is only part of the job. Just as important is building trust among a population eager for stability and peace.

In that regard, the general praised the international community for providing equipment and training to help modernize the Afghan National Police (ANP) forces. In Gen. Bayaz’s opinion, that process of improvement has yet to run its course.

“The security and stability of Afghanistan requires continuous efforts to eliminate hurdles that undermine the credibility and capacity of our security forces to serve the needs of the Afghan people and gain their confidence and support,” she told Unipath. “The need is clearly there for the international community to provide resources, training and assistance until we overcome these multidimensional challenges to better performance.”

Encouraging signs abound. Gen. Bayaz cites the security provided during the April 2014 Afghan elections as evidence that forces are performing at higher standards. “Even prior to the presidential election, an assessment of planning and execution by the ANSF since taking the lead in the fight demonstrates their readiness and willingness to deliver peace and governance even in the remotest areas of the country,” she said.

“Despite this progress, the demand for additional training and equipment to organize and execute logistics operations remains vital as ANP units work hard to safeguard against extremists and criminal syndicates and solidify community relations.”

The police aren’t the only area in which Afghan girls and women have made great strides since the brutal rule of the Taliban was overturned. Nearly a third of girls now attend primary school, and tens of thousands attend secondary schools and colleges. The proliferation of new clinics has improved health across the country. According to the World Bank, the percentage of Afghan women dying during childbirth has plunged nearly 80 percent since 2000. Women serve as cabinet ministers and fill the halls of parliament.

But the forces of anarchy and oppression still hover in the background. Several Afghan policewomen have been killed in the past year, and Gen. Bayaz, as befits her high position, travels with a bodyguard through her district of more than 1 million residents. She recounts the story of how, during the days of the Taliban, she was dismissed from her job for being a woman. Other indignities followed, including the beating she endured for showing an ankle in public.

Gen. Bayaz will likely be serving with more women police officers in the future. The Afghan government wants to boost female recruitment to at least 5,000 officers. In that regard, international organizations such as the United Nations are lending their assistance. As she looks back on her 30-year police career, the general expressed appreciation that she is able to help her country through a difficult period and serve as a role model.

“It is the moral and professional commitment to serve the Afghan public that energizes me,” she said, “despite the daily risks and challenges.”  

Residents of Khost praise police

STORY AND PHOTO BY FARZAN IBRAHIMI/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF SADA-E AZADI MAGAZINE

The Afghan National Police (ANP), compared with other security forces, interact more with ordinary citizens. The police have a formidable responsibility because they deal with a wide range of security and public service challenges daily — from counterterrorism to disaster relief.

Afghanistan’s Sada-e Azadi magazine recently talked to residents of Khost province about their views on security and ANP professionalism.

Most responded positively and said they were happy with the performance and professional behavior of the police. They specifically noted the improved professionalism of the police. Many said the ANP is now better equipped to provide security and adhere to the rule of law.

Abdul Jamil, a shop owner in the densely populated center of Khost City, said he often interacts with law enforcement personnel. “I have noted a bigger number of police now protecting us. There are dozens of plainclothes officers ensuring that terrorists and criminals don’t commit violence or steal from us.”

Jamil said the attitude of police and their capabilities have improved, and security violations have markedly decreased. “Now we can trust our security forces. I can say that people are very pleased with them,” he said.

Noratullah, a student from Dalpori village of Mandozai district, also commented on the improved reputation and capabilities of the police.

“They have taken measures and listened to the people to improve their behavior and professionalism. Several problems that people used to mention no longer exist because they have totally changed for the better,” Noratullah said.

As Noratullah described, the popular change that the police have brought about is their frequent interaction with the people. “These days, the security forces are quite close to the people and make efforts to build good relationships with the public. Whenever we need them, they react on and win our praise.”

University student Muhammad Khalil says that Afghan security forces are stronger than before, and with security the transition, they have more responsibilities on their shoulders.

“Afghan National Security Forces are stronger and have a better relationship with the people, thanks to their improved professionalism. This is why the security situation has improved. We know many of them put their lives at risk for us, so we praise their efforts and admire their bravery,” Khalil said.