Cops barred from patronising nightspots

Comm Narenasagaran inspecting a guard of honour at the state police contingent headquarters in Penang Road, George Town. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star

POLICEMEN will no longer be allowed to visit entertainment outlets for leisure in an initiative to rebrand the force and stay away from syndicates.

Penang police chief Comm Datuk T. Narenasagaran said the directive was to ensure that the police get the best cooperation from the public and increase public confidence towards their services.

“From now on, all police personnel are not allowed to patronise entertainment outlets.

“People might misconstrue that policemen go there to enjoy themselves and question their affordability.

“So, the ruling is to clear this misconception. Unless we are on duty or for specific reasons to be there, we should not be going to such places,” Comm Narenasagaran told reporters during the police monthly gathering at the state police contingent headquarters in Penang Road on Wednesday.

He also explained that there had been allegations of police personnel being involved in illegal activities in the past, adding that hopefully the new ruling would help rebrand the force.

“Our work involves meeting up with anybody. And, we may need to engage their help, but we cannot be in close association with syndicates or illicit activities.

“There are also times when we need to get information from contacts for operational purposes,” he added.

Earlier, Comm Narenasagaran presented 58 certificates of appreciation to outstanding serving policemen from 10 departments.

“In May, the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department conducted several raids leading to the arrest of six men and seized various kinds of drugs totalling RM7.09mil,” he said.