And kudos for our police officers
Whether during peace time or days of turmoil or elections, the Police Department which is the primary and only department entrusted with the task of maintaining law and order, is under the public searchlight. This is because the Police Department has constant interaction and contact with the people. Thus they receive more brickbats than bouquets.
In recent months, the Police have come under criticism for the misdeeds committed by some police officers. The most serious lapse was in respect of some officers attached to the Peliyagoda Criminal Investigation Department. They are said to have trafficked in heroin. Media reports in this regard make police officers, both in service and on retirement, ashamed and distressed.
The guardians of the law are expected to detect and prosecute drug traffickers but they have themselves trafficked in heroin, wearing the uniform of police officers. A hue and cry is made of politicians and those dealing in narcotics, but when the guardians of the law themselves are caught trafficking in narcotics we cannot put our heads up but hang down our heads in shame.
Another incident reported in the media involved a Police sergeant who was accused of transporting cannabis. Many police officers who are in the Southern belt where cannabis is grown are allegedly involved in such despicable activities of assisting transporters of ganja or becoming their couriers.
Besides the usual lapses and misdemeanours of police officers, incidents such as these where the guardians of the law themselves are aiding and abetting the crime of drug trafficking are unpardonable.
The diatribe of a young woman against a police officer at Malabe, after she was booked by this officer for a parking offence went viral on social media even before he could return to the Police Station, make his notes and inform his superiors.
The identity of the officer is not known but he should be commended for his tolerance while the woman tore the receipt book - considered a government document -and removed the helmet of the officer -- an act that could be construed as stealing. The reaction of the officer was silent observation. He did not even attempt to grab the helmet back. His patience and demeanour is commended.
During the third fifty-over game at the Premadasa Stadium on July 19, the commotion, the fights, the behaviour of drunken spectators, the stone throwing and the stoppage of the match were witnessed by millions of people not only in Sri Lanka but all over the world. Though there were a large number of police officers including members of the Riot Squad and the STF, they acted calmly and patiently without using any force. They went into the thick of the area of commotion and cleared the stands without using any force though two police officers were injured due to the violence. This incident too displayed exemplary conduct of the police officers. Though the behaviour of some inebriated spectators brought shame to our country, the police officers retrieved the bad image we received on that day. They should be commended.
The manner in which the police officers dealt with election law violators on nominations day is also commendable. They did not use force. Instead they questioned senior politicians, some of them holding Cabinet portfolios, and warned them of the repercussions of violating the elections laws. It is reported that all those who violated the election laws will be brought before courts. The public expect the police to act independently, fearlessly and firmly so that August 17 general elections will be a peaceful poll. Act firmly, fairly and fearlessly.
(The writer is a retired Deputy Inspector General)