Collaborate with the police to fight crime - Brakatu

Pwalugu(UER), May 2, GNA - Mr Ephraim O. Brakatu, Commissioner of Police in charge of Special Duties for the Northern Sector, on Friday called on the public to foster close partnership with the Police to fight crime. He expressed concern about the high rate of armed robbery and other crimes confronting the Ghanaian society.

Mr Brakatu made the call when reviewing the passing out parade of 225 Police Recruits at the Police Training School at Pwalugu near Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region. He noted that the criminals lived in communities as tenants, lodge in hotels, as squatters on people's properties and as customers to businessmen and traders. "We need to take a critical look at suspicious characters that live among us and alert the Police to arrest the growing trend of criminality that is becoming a nuisance to law abiding citizens," he added. Mr Brakatu said the youth were gradually becoming lazy and find easy means to make money through criminal activities and this should be a worry to the public.

To the recruits, he said they would be closely monitored by their supervisors and exposed to the daily demands of practical duties and advised them to be humble, tolerant and respectful to learn the right procedure no matter the difficulties they would encounter. Mr Brakatu said they would be on probation for 18 months and asked them to show strong commitment, dedication and devotion to their duties. "You must always be prepared to serve the public otherwise the Police Administration would not hesitate to dismiss anyone who puts his interest above the interest of the nation," he stressed.

The recruits, made up of 78 women and 147 men underwent six months of basic police training that included some aspects of law, social science, police duties, criminal investigation, English language, report writing, weapon handling and physical and foot training. Recruit Nelson Opong was adjudged the overall best recruit and received a baton of honour, Recruit Robert Sekyi, best in drill, Recruit Patricia Ansah, best in conduct and Recruit Naomi Menu best woman recruit.