Accra, Dec. 16, GNA - One hundred and sixteen police recruits on Tuesday passed out of the National Police Training School in Accra with a call on officers to exhibit maturity and professionalism in the December 28 presidential run-off elections. The recruits, the 4th and final batch to pass out this year, were schooled in both Police and liberal subjects such as Criminal Law, Criminal Investigation, Police Service Instructions, Social Psychology and Map Reading.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Frank Adu-Poku, Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department, said the recruits were taken through six months' academic and physical fitness training in line with the Police Administration's policy to produce fit, skilled and disciplined officers.

He said they would be attached to various regions to gain on the job experience and would be expected to abide by the core pillars of policing - professionalism, discipline and correct use of discretion. DCOP Adu-Poku cautioned the recruits against indiscriminate and unjustifiable use of fire arms, brutalisation, corruption and indiscipline.

"Bear in mind you are under 18 months of probation and breach of discipline will end your career prematurely," he said. "As professionals, your knowledge and skills of human rights and modern law enforcement techniques must reflect in your performance. A police officer is never off duty, meaning you must always be alert to meet the unexpected situations at anytime." Touching on the December 7 and upcoming run-off elections, DCOP Adu-Poku identified the joint cooperation between the Police Service, other security agencies and civil society as accounting for the peaceful December 7 elections.

"I commend them for their comportment and civil behaviour.... This cooperation is needed to ensure a safe and secured nation in the upcoming presidential run-off."

He further expressed the Police Administration's commitment to ensure a peaceful election in the run-off and transition period. DCOP Adu-Poku lauded police personnel for the professionalism, loyalty and commitment shown during the December 7 general election. General Recruit (G/R) Joshua Kwofie was adjudged the Best Student in Academic Work and Overall Best Recruit. Other award winners were G/R Samuel Opoku, Best Marksman, G/R Eric Afriyie, Best in Drill and G/R Godbless Obeng, Best in Protection.