‘Fight crime better through stronger public-police ties’

KUALA LUMPUR: Improving the level of trust between the public and the police is essential in forging stronger bonds and cooperation in the fight against crime, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.

The Alliance for a Safe Community chairman said Bukit Aman CID director Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain’s statement on the matter was timely and appropriate.

“Mutual trust between the police and members of the public will generate more confidence among the people to report and relay information to the police.

“It will also lead to a more cordial and better working relationship between the police and the public,” he said when contacted.

On Saturday, Comm Mohd Shuhaily acknowledged that the police must do all they can to improve the public’s trust towards the force.

He said that this is especially so for those in the CID, adding that protecting the confidentiality of those who lodge police reports should be a priority.

Lee said that strengthening trust between the police and public is in line with the force’s motto, namely “Police and Public are Inseparable”.

“The police need the fullest cooperation and support from the public in terms of information and intelligence gathering. Thus the level of trust must be strong,” Lee said.

He also called on the police to frequently update victims or complainants on the progress of their investigation.

“Keeping the victims informed about the investigation is essential in building trust and confidence,” he added.

The police, he said, should have a system in which they can duly inform the victim about the progress at every stage of the investigation.

For example, he said the victim could be updated once an investigation paper is opened, during the course of the investigation, when the investigation is completed and once the case has been brought to court.

“However, the public should not expect miracles as not all cases can be solved speedily ... There should be (some) understanding as well,” he said.