The police story as told by a committed police officer

The book ‘Human Rights and Policing’ authored by Tassie Seneviratne, a Retired Senior Superintendent of Police, is a welcome addition to literature on Police.

Many earlier books on policing have a limited focus which does not project beyond the narration. This account of Tassie’s official life and work is interesting and readable.

The coverage is extensive over time, extending to all corners of the country. Honesty and unimpeachable integrity were the hallmarks of his character and personality. A sense of tenacity and commitment to the task given to him was an outstanding feature of his temperament and disposition.

Certain other aspects of his career were equally striking. Often the author experienced the inspiring manner in which other policemen and officers in charge of stations rallied round in times of crisis. Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim names intermingle freely without a second thought. Inherent here is the space for judgmental decision in the scope of police action.

Action by Tassie underscored the practicality of the rule of law principle. Theory and abstraction were not in issue with the officer. The book is replete with stories of disagreement, even conflict, following action taken by Tassie.

Resistance and opposition came from influential persons, from politicians and from his superiors in service. At the same time there was support and advice which came the way of Tassie from some of his superiors. The insinuation cannot then follow that Tassie attracted confrontation. The problem therefore is possibly elsewhere.