Policing the Police

Monday, 20 June 2011 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

CAN the appointment of a new IGP for the Police herald a new beginning for the force? As former IGP Mahinda Balasuriya stepped down, he admitted that he was dissatisfied with the conduct of the Police, particularly those that were carrying out their duty on the fatal day at the Katunayake Free Trade Zone (KFTZ). However, what he did not mention is that the professionalism of the Police has been in question for a very long time and much more needs to be done if the Police force is to earn its due respect.

It is no secret that the actions of the Police a few days after the shooting incident were disappointing. In this instance, the reference is to the Police standing by while around 1,000 people armed with rods converged near a protest taking place at Lipton Circus. It is well known that this group was politically backed and that the Police would have been told to keep their noses out of the business. This is just one instance when the Police, which is ostensibly supposed to maintain law and order in the country, has been shunted aside and humiliated. The fault does not lie entirely with the Police but rather the intense politicisation that has robbed the Police of its capacity to remain independent.

Appointing the Public Service Commission so that Police appointments are done with minimum involvement from politicians and giving the force a chance to work independently is of paramount importance. The Government cannot continue to use the Police as a means of suppression and prevention of expressions of dissent. It must be empowered to implement the law regardless of the power and position of the offender. Such basic ideals need to be safeguarded by the highest authorities in the land.

That aside, the internal structure of the Police needs to be upgraded as well. It is important for Policemen, especially since they are entrusted with upholding the law, to understand the law and be aware of how to implement it effectively so that not only the word of the law but the spirit of it is guarded as well. The way to interact with people, whether they come individually to a Police station or are part of a mob, needs to be taught.

There is no excuse for shooting civilians and other Policemen need to understand the gravity of that before another life is lost. Teaching Policemen soft skills so that all segments of society are comfortable when dealing with them is also another aspect. There are instances when women are still distrustful of dealing with the Police and this needs to be corrected to the point that no female should feel uncomfortable when interacting with them.

IGP Balasuriya’s observation that the majority of the Police is “good” cannot be the benchmark for the entire force. Taking on the task of protecting civilians is a hefty and onerous task and the country is largely grateful for the services rendered by the Police. This is why supporting it with proper training, salaries and working environment is important. Assisting the Police to earn respect and recognition, two elements that are largely lacking at the moment, will bring everyone closer to a law-abiding society.