Accra May 31, GNA-The Police on Thursday advised Community Protection Guards not to take the law into their hands but endeavour to support the police to curb crime and other social vices. Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) James Annor the Osu District Commander said this when he welcomed 15 community guards trained under the Community Protection Unit (CPU) module under the National Youth Employment to the Osu District.

The programme, which commenced three month ago, formed part of an exercise that sought to maximise use of police officers in the performance of the core policing functions in the country.

Their functions included, traffic control, foot policing and other security duties.

ASP Annor said as guards, they were going to live within the community stressing, "you need to be vigilant at all times and you are required to report to the Police any criminal activities to enable the Police to respond promptly."

The District Commander told the personnel that it was prudent for them to comport themselves and live beyond reproach, adding, "you need to do away with extortion, alcoholism among others else the law would be allowed to take its course if any of you fall foul with it." ASP Annor pleaded with the communities to cooperate with the guards in order the make their work effective and purposeful. He said the police would continue to work hand in hand with them in order to facilitate law and order in the various communities. 31 May 07