Police activate hotlines to report officer misconduct on roads

The Police Service has announced hotlines for the general public to file their complaints if they encounter questionable conduct from officers in the discharge of their duties.

A statement from the service Wednesday said the initiative has become necessary as a result of complaints of police unprofessional conducts while on traffic duties.

This has become necessary as a result of complaints concerning Police unprofessional conduct whiles on traffic, highway patrol, barrier, snap checks among others and the subsequent directives issued by the Inspector General of Police on 15/10/19 regarding measures to check such complaints,” the statement said.

Below are details of the statement

The Police Administration has activated the following hotlines to enable members of the public especially motorists and passengers to reach Police authorities at the national headquarters on their experiences with Police officers on the road.

The hotlines are: a. 0550323323 for voice calls and sms only b. 0275000156 for voice calls and sms only c. 020 663 9121 for whatsapp/ videos only

This has become necessary as a result of complaints concerning Police unprofessional conduct whiles on traffic, highway patrol, barrier, snap checks among others and the subsequent directives issued by the Inspector General of Police on 15/10/19 regarding measures to check such complaints.

All road users are encouraged to send videos of Police misconduct, including pictures, whatsapp, text messages and voice calls on Police unprofessional conduct and good conduct worth emulating.

MTTD: The motor traffic and transport department (MTTD) is the mandated Police unit for the enforcement of road traffic laws and regulations among others. They are identified in white tunic over black trousers with a peaked cap or combo as headgear. They sometimes wear reflective jacket on their top uniforms to enhance visibility.

HIGHWAY PATROL: The Police highway patrol teams are basically assigned to combat highway robberies and also prevent other crimes on the highway. They are mostly identified in normal Police operational dress and they are armed.

BARRIERS: Police officers at various barriers/checkpoints are strategically detailed to address specific national security concerns. They also wear Police operational uniforms and are armed. Incase of reply the Number and date of this letter should be quoted My Ref: PAD/PRESS/VOL.3/139 Your Ref. PUBLIC AFFAIRS DIRECTORATE POLICE HEADQUARTERS POST OFFICE BOX 116 ACCRA 12TH NOVEMBER, 2019 NEWS

Apart from the MTTD, none of the above-mentioned officers on highway patrol/barrier duties are deployed to specifically conduct motor check e.g. inspecting driver’s licenses, road worthy and insurance certificates, etc. However, any Police officer can conduct traffic related checks based on reasonable suspicion of a road traffic offence but will have to immediately hand over the case to the Police MTTD after the preliminary action. 9. Motorists are cautioned to adhere to traffic laws on the road.

The Police Administration, therefore, appeals to the public to give maximum cooperation and wish to assure the public that such complaints when received will be expeditiously dealt with.

David Eklu Assistant Commissioner of Police Director-General, Public Affairs