THE Police top brass has said a special police unit will be set up to conduct investigations into alleged involvement of some police officers with criminal offences.
Police Commissioner Gari Baki yesterday made this known following allegations in the media that some police officers were involved in criminal activities, especially major robberies over the last year.
“We are aware of those allegations. But due to the sensitivity of these allegations, we had to carefully work out the best way to handle this matter,” he said.
Mr Baki said it was very important that police did not lose the trust and confidence of the public because of the actions of a few members who resorted to such activities.
The first part of the process would be to put in place internal control mechanisms which will include taking stock of all police manpower and resources, he said.
“There is no place in the Constabulary for rouge elements. I have no time for criminals in police uniform and I will ensure the full force of the law is brought down on them hard and fast,” he said.
National Capital District (NCD) central commander and acting assistant commissioner Awan Sete and NCD Metropolitan Supt Fred Yakasa have developed a crime fighting strategy for NCD and Central province, he said.
“I fully support their initiative as it will ensure all police personnel and resources within NCD and Central province are accounted for,” Mr Baki said.
He said once that was done, a special police unit would be created to investigate and prosecute any member of the police force involved in criminal activities.
“Its terms of reference, tenure and composition would be determined once other preliminary requirements are completed,” Mr Baki said, adding that allegations of the involvement of police personnel in crimes should be properly investigated and prosecuted.
“Once credible evidence was collected, those officers involved will be dealt with,” he said.
Mr Baki admitted that not every policeman or policewoman is involved and said police have reason to believe there is only a handful of them involved in criminal activities.
“They will be identified, investigated and prosecuted according to law,”he said.