Winneba, May 25, GNA- The Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Patrick Acheampong, has warned police personnel, especially those who have just passed-out to desist from interfering in local affairs, particularly in chieftaincy and civil cases in areas of opertion. Mr. Acheampong said this at the passing-out ceremony of 148 police recruits made up of 97 men and 51 women at the Police Training College at Winneba on Monday, after six months intensive training in various police duties, including general police functions.

He said the involvement of police in chieftaincy and civil cases often give a bad image for the profession, adding that time has come for police personnel to chart a new course that would promote unity and co-operation between the public and the police administration.

Mr. Acheampong told the recruits that they are passing out at a crucial period when the nation would be having elections to deepen its democracy and they would be expected to exhibit a high sense of professionalism in all their dealings.

He said the code of conduct and the rules and regulations of the elections are decided upon by the Electoral Commission (EC), adding,

"Our only duty as police officers is to assist the EC and the political parties to engage themselves in orderly manner in accordance with Public Order Law."

"Under no circumstances should you do anything by your conduct or even 'body language' to give the impression that you are bias or unfair in one way or the other."

Mr. Acheampong warned that the police would not compromise on its neutrality, saying that anyone or group irrespective of party affiliation who infringes the law of the land especially the Public Order Law would be dealt with decisively in accordance with the law. Police woman Abiba Musah, received the overall best recruit and best in academic awards, while general recruit Joseph Addae received the best conduct award, with general recruit Charles Aidoo, who received the best marksman and another police woman Vivian Duah had the best award in drilling.