Stop releasing suspects on unauthorised bail: Officer

By SYLVESTER WEMURU
POLICE officers who release detainees on unauthorised bail, commonly referred to as “snake bail”, must stop this practice immediately as it wastes police time and effort in arresting suspects, a senior officer says.
East Sepik police commander Supt Albert Beli said this during a commander’s parade in Wewak on Friday.
Supt Beli said police personnel needed to respect each other when dealing with offenders.
He said when a suspect, who was a relative of a policeman, was detained, it did not mean that the police officer (relative) would release him without the knowledge of the arresting officer.
“This is not right and must stop,” Beli said.
“If you are caught doing that you will face your own music.
“The arresting officers have the right to report you to us to discipline you if you are caught.”
Beli said the snake bail practice was illegal and officers could be charged for aiding a prisoner’s escape.
He said when suspects were detained in the cell, the arresting officer would have to complete the job of following the process by filling in the required information in the books – the cell book, the occurrence book (OB) and the bail receipt book – at the police station when the suspects’ lawyer or relatives produce receipts that the offender had paid some money to be released on bail.
Supt Beli said those who detained for safety reasons needed to be recorded when released.
He said the practice needed to stop because it would only mean the police would expand more time, effort and resources to pursue offenders.
He said the practice would give offenders the opportunity to reoffend or escape justice.