Seventy police recruits pass out

Accra, Sept. 16, GNA - The Police Administration on Friday warned that it would sanction any officer who divulged names of informants to unauthorised sources.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Mr V. K Dzakpata, Director General of Police Intelligence and Professional Standards (PIPS) who gave the warning pointed out that the service would not protect nor sympathise with any officer who would act traitorously. He was addressing a passing out parade of 70 police recruits at the National Police Training School (NPTS) in Accra. The recruits were tutored in courses such as criminal law, procedure and investigations.

ACP Dzakpata said the Police needed the full co-operation of the public to combat crime effectively and deal with criminals. He therefore, urged the officers to perform their duties with a touch of professionalism to win the trust and confidence of the populace.

ACP Dzakpata observed that the latest 'modus operandi' of criminals had become highly sophisticated such that it required a police with the requisite skill to deal with the dynamism in criminality. He said that was why the service designed the training course in consonance with modern techniques of policing to ensure that best practices prevailing in recent times take root in the service.

ACP Dzakpata said, "they have been taken through six-month intensive physical training to build their mental alertness and strength, which are essential to the performance of their duties". He said the administration of justice could be effective if it was supported by a well organised efficient police service. ACP Dzakpata reminded the officers that in this 21st century the public were increasingly becoming more and more aware of their rights and responsibilities and that it therefore behoved on them to perform their duties within the confines of the law.

He urged them to demonstrate high sense of discipline in the course of their duty, as the service would not tolerate any act that would drag the image of the service into disrepute. "Note that you are on 18 month probation after passing out and that your performance will be critically monitored and assessed, any one who falls short of the standards codes of discipline will be discharged", he added.

Out of the 70 recruits, six were awarded for excellence in their respective areas of training.

Constable Lilian Simpiney, emerged the overall best recruit and best academician while Constable Victoria Opuni took the best drill award with Constable John Nkrumah receiving the prize for good conduct. Constable Kluvitsey Cudjoe, was honoured for best training and Constable James Debrah as the best marksman.