Police officers who embarrass Service warned

Koforidua, June 25, GNA - The Police Administration has no place for officers who extort money from drivers and the public at check points, act as land guards and dabble in litigation and chieftaincy matters.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) and Director of Special Duties and Legal Prosecution, Mr George Asiamah, gave the warning at the passing out of 80 Police recruits at the Police Training School, Koforidua on Friday. He stressed that Policemen and women whose actions soiled the good name of the Service would not be spared.

Mr Asiamah said as part of measures to enforce strict discipline and ensure quality service, the Police Administration had formed a new unit known as "Police Intelligence and Professional Standard Bureau (PIPS)". He explained that the PIPS would monitor compliance with International Police Professional Standards, human rights and the enforcement of democratic policing principles within the Service.

Mr Asiamah said the Unit would also conduct regular inspection of Police Stations, equipment, records and documents and other facilities in accordance with Police Service principles and instructions and other guidelines. He said the Unit would investigate public and complaints of malfeasance and omission and commission on the part of service personnel and complaints referred to it from the Inspector General of Police and the Police administration.

Mr Asiamah the assurance that the Police would continue to wage a relentless war on violent crime, especially armed robbery and urged the public to volunteer information to enable the Service to contain the situation. He told the recruits that modernity and social change have placed heavy demands on the service, adding that, the public had become more critical and looking forward to a Police Service that was efficient, effective, incorruptible and responsive to the aspirations of the society.

The overall Best Recruit went to Constable John Agyare, who also the Best in Academics while Constable Adam Modibo Yakubu was the Best Marksman and Constable David Asare Nkrumah the Best in Physical Training. Constable Adamu Jagoi won the Best Conduct award and the Best in drill went to Constable Owusu Poku Maxwell.