The Reform of Evidence-Based Investigations in Bangladesh: The Difference Between Rhetoric or Reality

• In Event: Police Investigations, Reform, and Crime Control Initiatives

Abstract

In order to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Bangladesh police, the government undertook a Police Reform Program (PRP) in 2005. The aim of this study is to examine the implementation of the PRP’s capacity development program as it relates to shifting police investigations from oral to evidence-based procedures. A case study method consisting of in-depth interviews has been chosen for this study. A total of 4 model police stations were selected. The sample consisted of two distinct groups who have been involved in the implementation of capacity development program. Group 1 comprises of officials from various implementing agencies such as the PRP, UNDP, while the Group 2 respondents were drawn from police investigators within the sampled model police stations, supervising officials and senior police executives. In total 45 participants consisting of 35 police officers and 10 implementing officials were recruited for in-depth interviews. Results indicate that a combination of internal and external factors including organizational culture, lack of political support and commitment, and lack of institutional capacity have limited the successful implementation of the evidence-based investigations. Overall, the degree to which evidence-based investigation was adopted by the police investigators in the model police stations appears to be modest.

Author

• Mohammed Bin Kashem, The University of Queensland, Australia