Police brutality unconstitutional

The National Letters

IT is terrifying to see, hear and read daily about the increase in police brutality and abuse of constitutional duty, resulting in the state losing billions of kina and hundreds of lives.
It is not right for the police or any disciplinary officer to use violence against any civilian – whether it’s your family member of any other citizen for that matter. Using violence to do State’s duty is unconstitutional.
There are many evidences of this happening in our country daily.
Police have a statutory duty to protect the rights of the State through maintaining law and order.
Police and other disciplinary forces should not see themselves as having the right to apply violence to anyone anytime.
The legitimate duty of the police is to protect the interest and rights of the people.
The powers of the police are primarily to maintain law and order through:

  • ARREST and charge lawbreakers so they can face the law through the courts;
  • ENSURE peace and good order in the community;
  • PROVIDE security to all citizens so that our rights to freedom and our properties are protected;
  • INVESTIGATE criminal activities;
  • ESCORT very important person when the need arises; and,
  • ENFORCE an order of the courts.

These are the main duties of Police.
Any activities done contrary and apart from these are deemed as criminal acts.
It doesn’t matter what social status or position or objective the officer has – their duty is to ensure that the law achieves its purpose.
Everyone should allow the law to operate as it is intended and this requires a collective effort.
If the law provides certain processes and procedures that requires them to follow in their line of duty, they have to follow these procedures.
They should also respect the rights of every individual.
Police have the constitutional duty to execute orders and have no legitimate right to apply extreme violence.

Eric Mumson Piuk,
Gerehu 24 Market,
NCD