POLICE STATIONS SAFE
their personal safety is under threat. The feelings of vulnerability of being a victim of crime is most frightening and makes a person feel helpless. Thus, the public needs reassurance that when they are under serious threat by criminal elements or terror groups, they should be able to go to the nearest police station at any time to seek help or protection.
According to official sources, police stations, unlike police beat bases, are supposed to be manned 24 hours a day all year round.
In this case, concerns about safety and security at police stations are as follows:
WHAT is the minimum number of police personnel required to be on duty at a police station, regardless of location?;
WHAT is the policy on personal safety of officers on duty at police stations?;
TO what extent are police stations immune from being attacked by criminal and terror groups?;
WHY is this police station not equipped with CCTV?;
HOW can the public be reassured that police stations are safe sanctuaries?, and
WHO will be accountable and responsible for the loss of a human life if evidence demonstrates weakness in the administration and management of the said police station?
Many of the questions need to be addressed. Studies conducted by Universiti Sains Malaysia’s research team on crime and policing have illustrated that public perception of the fear of crime is strongly correlated with various factors besides the police index crime statistics. Symbols of gang graffiti and loan shark posters displayed boldly in communities also create unwarranted negative perception. CCTVs and street lighting make a difference on the perception rate.
Police job performance and the perception of fear are correlated as well. The perception variables above are non-exhaustive and incidences like the killing of a police officer can create a sense of insecurity among the people.
Police stations must continue to be seen as safe sanctuaries. PDRM must pursue the officer’s killer and those who failed to ensure that the police station was managed accordingly.