“The stand-off between some policemen from the Special Services Division and members of the Dog unit at Bomana Police College was amicably resolved yesterday and normal disciplinary investigations would be conducted to ensure members who have breached the Constabulary’s code of Ethics are disciplined or reprimanded,” acting Police Commissioner Jim Andrews said today.
Some members of Mobile Squad 2 based at McGregor barracks went to the Dog unit barracks at Bomana on January 15 and discharged gunshots claiming that one of their colleagues was assaulted by members of the Police Dog unit.
The acting Commissioner said this operational matter was quickly brought under control by respective senior officers who took charge of the situation and persuaded the disputing parties to return to their barracks.
As part of measures taken by the Constabulary management to rebuild comradeship within the organisation, a route march or exercise involving SSD personnel and members of the Dog unit will take place this weekend from Baruni to McGregor barracks.
Mr Andrews said this management initiative is aimed at restoring the feeling of esprit-de-corp within the RPNGC.
In a meeting at Police headquarters today, acting Commissioner Andrews issued a directive to all the operational commanders to clamp down on drunk and disorderly behaviour within the precincts of all police barracks and official police premises.
He said alcohol related abuses by members of the Constabulary and their families or friends within the barracks and other official police premises was contributing to such unethical behaviour.
He said, to stem such abuses, the Constabulary will transfer more new recruit intakes into the Internal Affairs Directorate, so they can be trained to investigate and adjudicate cases, in order to maintain standards and values within the Constabulary.
The Internal Affairs Directorate was now adequately equipped with new offices and equipment including computers and vehicles but it is understaffed.
He said due to the increase of police abuse cases, the RPNGC was also contemplating on posting 30 new recruits when they pass out early this year to boost the operations of the Internal Affairs Directorate.
“We hope by increasing the manpower in Internal Affairs, we will reduce the number of police abuse cases. We will also source training for these new recruits particularly in the areas of arrests, case management and adjudication,” acting Commissioner Andrews said.
He also issued directives for the SSD management to ensure proper firearms management practices set under the Constabulary Standing Orders are adhered to at all times.
Source: Press Statement
