Time to police baton the bad cops

For a long period of time in its 14-decade history, Sri Lanka Police used to boast of one of the most sought after and respected uniforms to wear. It is an institution with rich heritage, discipline and valour, and more often than not had played the catalyst role of maintaining law and order.
However of late, perhaps signifying the depths to which the society in particular and the country at large had sunk, the Sri Lanka Police has been an eyesore, with rampant disregard to the very law and order which it is supposed to enforce.
The society is aghast at the spate of events which point to certain Police officers compromising national security, integrity, justice as well as public safety for personal gains or vendettas.
Let us for record sake, list the noble vision and mission of Sri Lanka Police which is, “Towards a Peaceful Environment to Live with Confidence, Without Fear of Crime and Violence.” Its Mission is as follows: “Sri Lanka Police is committed and confident to uphold and enforce the law of the land, to preserve the public order, prevent crime and terrorism with prejudice to none – equity to all.”
Given the recklessness of certain officers, both at senior and junior level, it is pertinent to ask how often are these hallowed Vision and Mission statements read or reminded to the rank and file of Sri Lanka Police on a daily basis.
It is ironic that in his New Year message for 2009, Inspector General of Police Jayantha Wickramaratna, a highly respected official, had to earnestly request all Police Officers to assist him to establish a “dignified Police Service” through enhancement of Police relations.
Whilst the nation jointly saluted the role of Police and its members in supporting the armed forces in successfully crushing LTTE terrorism, some black sheep are certainly taking the glory, stature and respect the public would otherwise continue to bestow on Sri Lanka Police.
The Police, being the principle custodian of law and order, should be committed to redress the needs of the people who could be subject to violence and other crimes. In doing so, Police personnel are expected to treat the public with fraternal care.
However, when the very custodians resort to inhuman or extra-judicial means to deal with members of the public, what faith and confidence can the country have in the Sri Lanka Police?
Yes, very often one sees flash in the pan type investigations into the excesses committed by Police personnel. But what lessons have the Sri Lanka Police force learnt from such investigations sans effective follow up action? It wouldn’t be a surprise if current investigations in months to come would die a natural death as evidenced from similar past instances.
Nevertheless swift arrest of unscrupulous officials and officers is welcome, but as the famous adage goes, justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done.
The danger of the Sri Lanka Police reputation falling to appalling depths has certainly disturbed even President Mahinda Rajapaksa who is also the Head of the four Forces.
In that context it was heartening to know the country’s Chief Executive along with Defence Secretary, meeting the IGP and senior DIGs on Monday for a brainstorm on the status quo required for effective action and confidence building measures.
Many have expressed shock over recent events. The Bishop of Colombo Rt. Rev. Duleep de Chickera’s comments got wider coverage. He opined that the recent spate of violence perpetrated by certain Officers of the Police Force against civilians is cause for grave public concern.
He suggested that each such incident requires prompt and impartial investigation. “Where culpability is established, there must be corrective measures, compensation and even public apologies,” the Bishop said.
He also gave chorus to the often repeated clarion call i.e. ensuring the independence of the Police Force.
For this to happen the 17th Amendment needs to be reactivated so that the National Police Commission (NPC) could be established. Such a step will ensure professionalism in the Force and also minimise corruption and interference from those in positions of power and influence.
As per its mandate, the NPC has been vested with irrevocable powers of recruitment of personnel (other than the Inspector General of Police) transfers, promotions, disciplinary action and dismissals.
As the Bishop emphasised, all Sri Lankans have a responsibility to make this shift a reality. “If not we will inevitably experience the full impact of the saying “What goes around comes around,” he quipped.