The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Ahmed Alhassan, on Friday, cautioned personnel of the service to operate within the law and avoid excesses.

He said the situation where some of them abused the fundamental rights of suspects, meddled in purely civil cases and engaged in other negative practices was unhelpful to the image of the service; and that, it did not aid efforts at courting public support in crime fighting and would, therefore, not be accepted.

The IGP gave the warning during an official visit to Kumasi to interact with the officers and men, sensitize them on the Affirmation Programme launched to improve services to the public.

He said his administration was determined to go to every length to tackle unprofessional conduct, to meet people's expectation and win their confidence.

The IGP, who was visiting the Ashanti region for the first time since changes were made in the regional command that saw Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Kofi Boakye, replacing DCOP Augustine Gyenning, expressed satisfaction that the crime wave in the region is on a downward trend.

He said he was happy with the considerable reduction in crime as reflected in the situational reports he has been receiving from the command as well as calls from the public that attest to this fact.

The massive facelift at the regional police administration, he said, is another high point.

He praised the Regional Commander and his team for the good job they were doing and urged them to stay on course and refuse to become complacent.

The IGP also appealed to the public to continue giving to the police every necessary support to fight crime and bring the miscreants to justice.

DCOP Boakye pledged to remain focused and continue working hard to improve the security of the people.

He said they would not allow criminals to take the society hostage and assured that they would go after them to enable law-abiding citizens to enjoy their peace.