Ho, Aug. 31, GNA - A staff rationalization exercise is being undertaken by the Volta Regional Police command to release more personnel for patrol duties in the region. This is part of measures by Mr. Bernard Guyiri Deryu, the new Volta Regional Police Commander to improve police performance in the region, announced during his first duty tour of South Eastern part of the region.

Mr. Dery, in a release issued by the Regional Command directed senior police officers at Kpetoe, Ave-Dakpa, Dzodze, Denu, Aflao, Agbozume and Keta to get involved in patrols. He said joint patrols with the Military, Customs Excise and Preventive Service and the Ghana Immigration Service would be stepped up especially along the frontiers to curtail cross border criminal activities.

The Regional commander cautioned police officers against misuse of vehicles, demanding that they seek permission from the regional headquarters before travelling outside the region with service vehicles. Mr. Dery observed that the current constitutional dispensation called for democratic policing with emphasis on human rights, the rule of law, professional police standards ethics and norms, child protection rights, domestic violence, sexual abuse and exploitation. He advised the personnel to avoid coming into conflict with these in the course of their duties as they will not be spared if caught violating the rights of the individuals.

Mr. Dery also advised his men to strive to improve upon their relationship with the public and the media in order to ensure the success of community policing.