Police officers ‘abuse the law’ behind tinted vehicle windows

By Rebecca KUKU
A SENIOR police officer says all kinds of illegal activities happen inside police vehicles which have tinted windows.
The officer, who requested anonymity, said former police commissioner Geoffrey Vaki issued a very clear directive that all police vehicles should not have tinted windows.
“When officers used tinted-glass vehicles, they tend to abuse the law,” he said.
“They drink inside, they carry out extra martial affairs, and use the vehicle to transport women. This is not right. Vaki made it clear that it was illegal and unconstitutional for police officers to be carrying out police duties using tinted glass vehicles.”
Police Minister Jelta Wong, pictured, agreed that police vehicles should not have dark-tinted windows.
Wong made the comment following public complaints about police officers travelling around in dark-tinted vehicles.
The senior officer called on Commissioner Gari Baki to direct that the dark tints be removed.
“We are here to serve the people and they must be able to see us. It instills a sense of trust,” he said.
“With dark tints, police officers are able to assault suspects on the way to the police station because no one can see what they are doing inside.”
In 2013, Deputy Police Commissioner Jim Andrews advised Port Moresby residents to report officers driving around in tinted and unmarked vehicles.
He however could not be reached for a comment yesterday.