Don’t compromise police’s dignity – Musa

KUALA LUMPUR - Do not destroy the public's trust on the police force with acts of breach of trust and abuse of power for personal interests, says former top cop.

Former inspector-general of police Tan Sri Musa Hassan said that the frequent reports of misconduct by police officers and personnel involved in crime and abuse of power have caused concern among the public.

He, who is also the Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) president said that the public places a very high level of trust in the police force to ensure the safety and security of the public.

The International Society of Humanitarianism in Malaysia (MHO) advisor also said that all layers of society have great expectations of the police in combating crime.

"However, lately with the spread of negative news and the involvement of a few officers and personnel in crime and misconduct, it creates a negative perception among the public.

"In fact, the warnings and admonitions made by the leadership openly depict to the public that the discipline control of officers and personnel is lax and not firm.

"Actions like this can erode public trust in the police," he told Sinar on Wednesday.

Further commenting, Musa said that the police needed to strive to improve the quality of its service and regain public trust.

Moreover, he said that the top leadership of the police needed to make improvements such as strict monitoring of officers and personnel while on duty by conducting spot checks to ensure that standard operating procedures (SOP) are fully adhered to.

Furthermore, he said 'briefing and debriefing' sessions need to be conducted by supervisory officers before and after duty.

He emphasised that all actions must be recorded in the movement diary for review in case of disputes.

"Ensure that every action taken while on duty is reported to the operations room and recorded in the diary regarding the actions they have taken.

"In addition, police officers should record in their pocketbooks all actions taken, for example, during the apprehension and interrogation of individuals, it must be fully documented," he said.

He said that officers and personnel who perform their duties but do not follow procedures must face strict action.

Musa said in-service training needed to be established so that officers and personnel were constantly reminded of procedures, thereby reminding them to act correctly.

Additionally, he said that the Discipline and Drug Control Scheme (SKDD), which has long been established, needed to be properly managed to ensure that policemen maintain high discipline.

"The Religious and Counselling Division (BAKA) needs to be active in conducting counselling and rehabilitation for officers and personnel with problems.

"Retraining should be provided for officers and personnel with problems to instill discipline and proper duty knowledge.

"The most important thing is to strengthen relations with the community and regain public trust in the police," he said.

Musa said that senior officers must have high integrity and not associate with ‘shady characters' or be involved in illegal activities because subordinates would always observe them.

Additionally, he said that the Federal Police Integrity and Standard Compliance Department (ISCD) needed to play a role in monitoring supervisors and officers while on duty.

He added that the police also needed to establish channels for the public to directly contact senior officers if there were officers and personnel who abuse their power.

"The police chiefs, district police chiefs can share their phone numbers with the public so that the public can lodge complaints directly, and prompt action can be taken.

"The government has established the Independent Police Conduct Commission (IPCC) which will handle investigations if there are complaints from the public regarding misconduct by police officers and personnel.

"Most importantly, discipline within the force needs to be emphasised by all levels of officers and personnel so that the police force will continue to be respected by the public.

"Although there are a few members of the police involved in abuse of power, if not curbed, it will spread to others," he concluded.