Wagambie calls for control

By MARJORIE FINKEO
ASSISTANT Comm Anthony Wagambie Jr, pictured, has issued directives to police in the National Capital District to exercise restraint and common sense in their work.
A recent incident at Erima left two men dead and more than eight injured by police.
“Sometimes communities are hostile to policemen when we attend complaints,” Wagambie said. “We will immediately pull out and disengage the matter and attend it the next day.”
To avoid a repeat of what happened at Erima last weekend, police will serve those who want to be served.
He said policemen were required to use common sense and good judgment as well, which officers’ approach to public in different situations showed the result. “Confiscation of beer sold illegally should be done during the day but not in the night when proper intelligence and assessment are required to avoid risks,” he said.
“Different levels of crime requires different levels of response and whether force is necessary.
“The suspects in this particular instance were known owners of trade store selling illegally and could have been easily picked up the next day and processed accordingly, thus preventing any violence and confrontation.
“For the constabulary to regain the trust and confidence of the community, the investigation into the shooting must be concluded soon to determine what happened and for us to take action accordingly.
“I am directing members of the NCD command to comply with the constabulary’s standard operating procedures on the use of firearms and the use of deadly force.
“Members will also be required to be disciplined and conduct themselves with a high level of honesty, integrity and commitment in the execution of their policing duties and responsibilities,” he said.
Wagambie said more emphasis will be put on supervision of police work in the frontline.