…to arrest officers in shabby dressing, slippers
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase, on Thursday barred policemen posted to provide security for top government officials from carrying their bags or converting themselves to domestic staff.
“Some of you who are escorting think they are in their bedrooms. Misuse of firearms, Force Order 223 is there. Make sure you observe the provisions of this law. You must change your attitude to the public because we need them to support us.”
“Henceforth, only government officials are entitled to police protection. You should no longer carry people’s bags, open their doors, man their gates or engage in any domestic chores for anybody. I have directed the commissioners in charge of airports to arrest you if they see you dragging your pistol with boxes or bags of anybody.
He also banned policemen from detaining suspects more than 24 hours, stressing that appropriate due diligence should be conducted before arrest warrant was issued.
“I sent out teams to all the zones and the report they have submitted to me is not encouraging. The idea of arresting people and dumping them should no longer arise. This is too bad. We have stepped in to stop all observed anomalies.
“We shall train you on alternative disputes resolution. All those who dabble into land matters and commercial matters should hands off and advise them to go to the court.
“You should no longer detain anybody more than 24 hours. Before you invite anybody, ensure that you have investigated the issue and have with you concrete evidence before you invite or arrest anybody.
This was as he stated that over 36,599 lower rank policemen would be promoted in the near future from the rank of Constable to Inspector, adding that those who failed promotion examinations in 2009 as well as those who were sick or were reduced in rank would benefit from the promotion if they performed well.
According to him, “management decided to invite you for interaction so we get first-hand information from you. We expect that you should no longer collect money from members of the public, you should be civil to the public and observe all forms of human right abuses.
“For your promotion, immediately after the inauguration, the DIG in-charge of training will invite those of you who are qualified to the various training colleges so that you can be trained for promotion.
“On no account should we see anybody on our highways wearing slippers or shabbily dressed. If we see you, we are going to arrest you. You have been given authority to arrest anybody who is blowing siren. It has been banned, but you must not carry horse whip, you must be civil.”
