17% drop in last year’s crime rate seen as a result from the mobilization of General Operations Force and Rela. Show us the data to substantiate this achevement?

17% drop in last year’s crime rate seen as a result from the mobilization of General Operations Force and Rela. Show us the data to substantiate this achevement?


Sunday February 20, 2011

Citizen-police must be properly trained

THE STAR SAYS . . .

WITH what appears to be rising street crime and a still-shorthanded police force, more members of the public would soon be assisting the force. The Home Ministry’s plans are nothing if not ambitious.

From August, some three million people from Rela, the Civil Defence and NGOs would have undertaken some training to equip them to patrol the streets.

Thousands from the General Operations Force and Rela are said to be doing so already, with the 17% drop in last year’s crime rate seen as a result.

It is generally good to have more citizens’ involvement in law enforcement. As Rukun Tetangga schemes have shown, it can educate and enrich through better knowledge of neighbourhoods and residents while cultivating greater social responsibility.

However, much may depend on the foresight, sensitivity and wisdom of the training. While many who join are no doubt motivated by the intention to keep streets safe, authorising so many people with powers over other citizens can be a double-edged sword.

The ills of vigilantism have to be avoided. Although the police is supposed to be on hand to supervise patrols, searches and seizures, situations may arise in which questionable actions may veer towards the unlawful or unethical.

Misplaced assumptions about citizen’s arrest is one example, particularly when weapons are deployed. Even if no firearms are involved in altercations, unlawful violence or what passes for it may result.

We must also hope that training includes a course on citizenship rights. There should be no prospect for any corruption or abuses of power, whether deliberate or unwitting.

However wide the scope of this “parapolice” force tending towards a militia, it is also not the same as establishing better relations between the police and the public. More dialogues and better cooperation in the interests of law enforcement and public security are still very much needed.

Ultimately, there is no proper substitute for recruiting more police personnel to undertake adequately the functions of the police. The need to expand the ranks is undeniable, indeed is proven by these very plans, so the necessary budget should be made available.

There is nothing like a dedicated force doing its job with full dedication. The public should also assist, generally by being more alert, civic-minded and security-conscious.