Crime & Punishment of Friday, 30 January 2009

Source: GNA

Police officers advised against indiscriminate use of firearms

Koforidua, Jan. 30, GNA - Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP), Frank Adu-Poku, Director-General in charge of Criminal Investigation Department (CID), on Friday advised police officers to guard against indiscriminate and unjustifiable use of firearms. Addressing a passing-out parade of 95 police recruits in Koforidua, DCOP Adu-Poku also advised officers against brutalisation of people, bribery and corruption and warned them against engaging in unauthorized operations.

He reminded them that they would be closely monitored during their 18 months probation period and any breach of the discipline would most likely end their careers in Service.

"Professionally, you are expected to follow the regulations of the service as spelt out in the Service's instructions. You should also make yourselves conversant with the provisions of the Police Service Act, Act 350/70 and other statues governing the service," he said. Mr Adu-Poku again urged them to maintain a high degree of loyalty in the course of their duties, adding that as police officers they would be called upon to undertake difficult and challenging duties. "You are required to be courageous and resilient in the face of danger while bearing in mind that you are accountable for whatever action you take".

He told them to be loyal to the government of the day and be truthful.

Mr Adu-Poku: "police work is sophisticated undertaking with intricate rules, procedures and processes, which must be complied with at all times if we are to be successful". The recruits underwent six-month training in criminal law, criminal procedures, criminal investigation, law of evidence, practical police duties, human rights, criminology and social psychology. The overall best recruit academically went to Stephen Antwi, best in musketry and shooting went to Bright Opare, best in physical training to Kwame Konadu.

Osumanu Fuseini received the best in conduct award with Kweku Akufo taking the best in drill award.