Police Officers asked to eschew corrupt practices

Kumasi, Jan.19, GNA-Police Officers have once again been urged to eschew corrupt practices in the discharge of their duties at all levels. They have also being urged to exhibit a high degree of discipline, respect the rights of the people and display a high sense of diligence and patriotism.

Mr. Sarfo Kwarteng, Commissioner of Police in-charge of Administration stated this when he inaugurated the first batch of 20 newly-trained policemen for the Ashanti Region community Policing Bicycle Unit in Kumasi on Friday.

He indicated that the Police personnel have undergone an intensive week-long training based on International Community Policing standards and that they would visit communities to educate them on crime prevention, ride through hitherto inaccessible routes to scare off potential criminals as part of their crime combat actions.

He said they would also assist the aged and children to cross busy streets, adding that the bicycle patrol system is being adopted because it is swift in deployment to trouble spots within the communities where vehicle patrols are not accessible or readily available.

Mr Sarfo Kwarteng hoped the team, who are poised to deliver would be given the needed assistance in the discharge of their statutory duties saying, "after all, their efforts are to complement and add positive value to the regular services the police as a whole, render to the public."

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Mr Ofosu-Mensah Gyeabour, the Ashanti Regional Police Commander stressed that the training programme has come at the appropriate time to assist in expanding crime prevention tentacles in the region.

"We will, therefore, not relent in our efforts at assuring the public that the police will be firmly on the ground to ensure safety of life and property in the region.

"We shall deal firmly with anyone who attempt to disturb the peace of the area or prevent people from going about their normal duties", he added.

The Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mr Jordan Quaye, a member of the Police Council of the Community Policing Unit said Community policing is a philosophy and an organisational strategy that allows the police and the community to work together in new ways to solve problems of crime, disorder and safety.