Bolgatanga, Jan. 12, GNA - Plans to start a new Police Training School in Bolgatanga to train recruits from the three Northern Regions could not materialise as a result of the lack of accommodation for officers who will man it.

The depot, which started last year, should have turned out the first batch of recruits last September, but the lack of related facilities, such as staff accommodation and potable water to the area has made it impossible.

The Regional Police Commander, Mr John Kojo Yali, who said this at a Press soiree at the weekend, explained that work at the depot was about 98 percent complete, adding that except for the water and accommodation situation, the first batch of recruits would have started training.

He said the Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly had given out some abandoned low cost houses to be used as accommodation for the officers but the structures were in a very deplorable state and needed immediate renovation.

The Police Commander said the Police Service lacked funds to cater for the renovation work and appealed to district assemblies in the Northern, Upper East and Upper West Regions to support the police service to successfully start the programme. He added that the provision of the depot in the area is an opportunity, which the district assemblies must not let go.

Mr Yali said for the police to succeed in its role of maintaining peace and order in the society, there was the need for effective collaboration between the police and the press to educate the citizenry on the country's laws and why they must abide by these laws to ensure peace and stability.

The Regional Police boss said his administration was determined to improve the existing police-public relations, adding that police personnel whose attitude and behaviour would dent the image of the service would be re-oriented, while those whose conduct are found to be criminal would be weeded out.

Mr Yali gave the assurance that the police in the region would work relentlessly to check crime and other anti-social activities that threaten the security and peace of the area.

He urged the public to use the right channels in seeking redress in all disputes and avoid personal interpretation of the laws. He said 2003 was peaceful, adding that 2,291 crime related cases were reported with 1,407 of such cases under investigation while 418 were prosecuted in the law courts.