Police warned not to demand allowance or fuel from people

POLICE officers in the Highlands Western End command have been warned to stop demanding allowances or fuel from the people when attending to complaints.
Acting Assistant Police Commission Martin Lakari said some officers had been doing it.
Lakari said officers were paid a salary, allowances, and fuel was provided by the department. So there is no reason for demanding money and fuel.
He has been receiving many complaints from the public, which was painting a bad name for the constabulary.
He has instructed provincial police commanders, station commanders, mobile squad commanders, section heads to keep an eye on the illegal practice.
“We must not cheat people,” he said. “Some who are wealthy will come to ask for your service while others are poor and cannot afford to pay for the service.
“So why deny justice to the poor or serve them?
“As police officers, we must be honest to tell the public that we are here to serve them without accepting any form of payment in return.”
Lakari warned those doing it that they will be dealt with on the spot.
“You are paid to do your job,” he said. “I do not understand why some silly officers go around demanding allowances.”
Lakari said people depended on the police for safety and should not be turned away.