Police should win public trust
Photo: AFP
The recent series of scandals involving subordinate police officers cause concern for the law abiding citizens of the country. But police will never regain the trust they lost as a result of the scandals, unless they are determined to make a fresh start. The news of alleged crimes of embezzlement, extortion, hijacking, rape, attempt to murder etc are not merely irregularities but go right at the core of public trust. Their arrest came as no surprise as it was only natural for police authorities to bring them to task to prevent erosion of professional ethics from police stations nationwide. The police officers should be reprimanded for their inadequate supervision on the subordinates. The police authorities must be held responsible for their failure to address the incidents as these will undermine the very basis of police discipline. Administrative officials with responsibilities are accountable for the action of their subordinates. It makes no sense for them to try to evade responsibilities and accountability. Only punishment to the accused is not the end of the matter but rather the beginning of a long road for police across the country as they try to regain public trust. People would like to see measures drawn up to ensure that order is maintained and strict discipline observed, as well as a review of recruitment policy and training procedure. It is not easy to regain reputation and public trust that has been lost. There are no miracle cures. Police officers should perform their duties efficiently without fear or favour or political pressure when they arise and keep the public informed of their achievements. The first step now must be to do their job fairly and honestly. And then only the slogan “police is your friend” will be materialised.
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