Society aids police professionalism

RECENTLY, there were several media reports, supported by video, alleging that the authority of the police in Region 10 is being undermined by the Regional Democratic Council. The reported allegation also saw intervention by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, to facilitate discussions between the regional administration and the police to verify the claims.
It was clear that Government’s intervention was to ensure lines of demarcation relating to authority and responsibilities are clear and unambiguous. This editorial has no intent to re-litigate what may have transpired in and around the incident. Notwithstanding the foregoing, it cannot be over-emphasised the importance of the police executing their duties in a professional manner, undisturbed. To the APNU+AFC Government and Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud’s credit, police/community relations are on the upswing. This may have been influenced by the force being given autonomy and support to carry out its duty to “Serve and Protect”– unfettered.

There has to be consistency in the work of the police if the institution is to have credibility in society. This consistency is not only required in upholding laws and standard operating procedures, but also allowing the police the liberty and freedom to do what needs to be done within the established framework. The police cannot be bad when they do not condone a wrong or tardy to appear on the scene; the police are bad when they fail to discharge their duties consistent with their mandate.
The society is emerging from a dark period when the force was undermined and steam-rolled by politicians and the connected. This painstaking work requires support of the citizenry and more so public leadership, elected and appointed. When members of the force feel that their hands are tied and there is no support from their constituents, higher-ups and community, it makes it difficult to do the job. The police should have the freedom to know that they can do what is required, without being questioned or micro-managed.

Where once there was a cadre of officers who were law unto themselves and did the politicians’ biddings, these had hurt the force’s credibility. Memories of Fraser, Merai, former Minister of Home Affairs Ronald Gajraj and death/phantom squads, jailed drug lord Shaeed “Roger” Khan’s announcement of partnership with the PPP/C Government, the jailbreak, and ensuing mayhem are still etched in the mind of citizens.
Treatment of the police and its relationship with the community is an ongoing process. Where such relationship is not considered important, it risks immobilising and making once again the impotence of the force to do its job. Crimes, notable serious ones, are declining and this should be across the board. The force is not perfect. As an institution it has miles more to go to gain the masses’ confidence and therefore all efforts must be made to ensure its image is rebuilt and public confidence restored .Where in the past hubris, in the highest offices, permitted efforts and acts in undermining the roles, responsibilities and functions of public institutions, and this Government early signalled its intolerance to continue similar pattern, its desire should be supported.

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