Top cop’s action is only a reaction

Letters, Normal

THE police commissioner has jumped on the bandwagon by declaring all-out war against his own men and women for providing private escorts to politicians, individuals, corporate business communities, etc.
The public applauds the commissioner’s efforts for the hard line he is taking to restore credibility to the police force as an institution.
The intent of the strategy the commissioner is employing is a step in the right direction.
While the commissioner may have the moral support of many for taking the decisive stand, are the rank and file supporting him?
Since the announcement, the strategy has attracted rebuttals, mind you, from the men and women in blue uniform.
They are frustrated the commissioner failed to address their financial woes or predicaments.
What has the RPNGC, under the leadership of Commissioner Gari Baki, done to alleviate the deplorable employment conditions faced by the men and women in blue?
Police officers run around pretending to carry out duty but all in disguise.
The department is just like another government agency, reeked with corruption in every form and shape, and the command structure has broken down.
Police officers allegedly engaged in corrupt practices are basically trying to keep their heads above water to make ends meet.
In my opinion, the commissioner’s action is mere reaction to the cause.
His reaction is only a band-aid treatment and will not address the root cause of the policemen and women pursuing corrupt means of supplementing their fortnightly income to cater for the rising living cost.
The commissioner’s action will not address the root cause of providing private escorts and other means of illicit conducts by police officers.
To have an impact turnaround, the police hierarchy, in a consorted effort, need to embark on a holistic approach addressing wide ranging issues affecting the police operation countrywide, not just private escort. 

 

N. Waiyo
Via email