We are ‘United States of America, Anti Terrorism Assistance’

[Lahore_Real_Estate]

By Vidya Rana

ISLAMABAD: When a person in trouble sees a cop wearing uniform of his own country, he feels a sense of protection attached to it but it is the other way round when it comes to female police commandos in the capital.

The female commandos wear a uniform brandishing quite visibly a badge containing the insignia that reads ‘United State of America, Anti Terrorism Assistance’ on the top. At the bottom of the badge, one can read Islamic Republic of Pakistan if one has a microscope.

“Americans trained us in Sihala Police Academy. From head to toe, every thing has been provided by them, so what problem do you see in wearing this badge,” said a female commando.

Insignias are not just a piece of metal or rubber; rather they symbolize legal authority and pride. Bani Amin, deputy inspector general (operations), refused to comment on this matter, saying “DIG (headquarters) Kamaluddin Tipu deals with such issues.”

Tipu casually said USA provided these uniforms and the badges were also part of it. “Do you want the insignia removed from the uniform?” he questioned and went on “female commandos’ uniforms are professionally up to the mark and we cannot meet these standards locally.”

Ariel N Howard, acting spokesperson of the US Embassy, clarified in written response to a Daily Times query, “No, it is not mandatory. The Anti Terrorism Assistance insignias are appropriate for any police agency in the world and are standardized. In short, it is just how the patches are made.”

However, this is not clear that where in the world local police wear the badges of the country that has assisted them financially or technically.

The significance of forces’ badges can better be observed from the statement of the United States Capitol Police available on the website: “It is the moment of transformation... when you slip into the uniform... put on the badge... and join our elite ranks, you’ll feel it. This is the moment you truly become a part of the dedication, the pride, and the legacy that makes the United States Capitol Police a force like no other.”

Naima Hassan, a psychologist, said that personnel of law enforcing agencies took inspiration from their uniforms. She said, “Badges are a source of motivation.”

Highlighting the importance of badges, Police Director General Jesus Versoza of Philippine National Police once said in his speech in 2005: “Badge of honor that we proudly wear in our uniform is the symbol of our worthiness to serve and protect the people. It is also the source of our authority to uphold and enforce the law without fear or favor.”