A chance for police to chart new bold course

Senior police officers follow proceedings during the launch of the National Police Service Commission vetting process at KICC on November 25, 2013. For the National Police Service, the beginning of the New Year has coincided with the release of the verdict of the vetting of some top officials. PHOTO/PHOEBE OKALL  NATION MEDIA GROUP

In Summary

• For the National Police Service, the beginning of the New Year has coincided with the release of the verdict of the vetting of some top officials.
• The vetting was carried out under clear guidelines for the panel and those interviewed. But most importantly, the latter had an opportunity to respond to and explain the allegations levelled against them.

The beginning of the year is always a time for individuals and organisations to come up with resolutions to guide their conduct and operations for the next 12 months.

That the ritual continues confirms that the challenges and shortcomings notwithstanding, this occasion for reflection on past performance is crucial.

For the National Police Service, the beginning of the New Year has coincided with the release of the verdict of the vetting of some top officials.

What is crucial is not necessarily the fate of the individuals vetted, but what needs to be done to enhance efficiency, transparency and accountability
.

The very public exercise during which the performance of these officers was put under scrutiny has turned out to be a useful audit of the operations of the Force.

NATURAL JUSTICE

The vetting was carried out under clear guidelines for the panel and those interviewed. But most importantly, the latter had an opportunity to respond to and explain the allegations levelled against them.

And it doesn’t end there.

Even those the vetting team has recommended should be removed can still appeal the decision.

This is what natural justice is all about. However, this now presents a chance to the Force to open a new chapter by addressing the loopholes and shortcomings that have emerged.

One has to do with the rational deployment of high-level manpower. It has become evident that some senior officers are sent to certain sections on the whim of their superiors, when they could be more useful in other areas.

This bias and favouritism must never be entertained, as it undermines efficiency. Secondly, there is a need to eliminate the tendency by some senior officials to flout regulations while carrying out their duties.

Abuse of office by officers at different levels, including the apex of the Force, is rampant.

We hope a clean-up from the top to the bottom will be one of the key resolutions this year.

The vetting is a wake-up call to officers at all levels to go about their duties knowing fully well that their actions and decisions are not above scrutiny, hence the need to strictly work within the law.