Cops should always be dynamic, innovative, says Lee Lam Thye

KUALA LUMPUR: The police force should be more dynamic and innovative all the time in combating and preventing crimes, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.

While praising the police for reducing the crime rate nationwide during the Chinese New Year period, the Alliance for a Safe Community chairman said current strategies in dealing with crimes should always be improved upon.

"The police must always be ready to adjust and adapt to changes in crime trends so that they can eventually adopt more efficient strategies to deal with any situation.

"They should also always be ahead of criminal elements such as scammers thus they should be properly equipped with expertise and skills," he said when contacted on Thursday (Feb 29).

He was commenting on the report that states that the crime rate dipped during the CNY celebration compared to the same period last year.

"The police must be proactive rather than reactive in confronting any criminal issue.

"Policing goes beyond fighting crime thus the police must continue its efforts to transform into an efficient and people-oriented police force," he lamented.

Lee said change is constant thus the police force should always be prepared to embrace change to bring about a safer Malaysia for all.

"They should be prepared to embrace change and be mindful of latest developments, thus they should possess a wide range of capabilities that are fueled by knowledge so that they will be able to discharge their duties more effectively," he added.

Lee also called on police officers and personnel to always improve their soft skills so that they will be able to secure better public support in fighting crime.

"Maintaining the highest standard of integrity and avoiding corrupt practices are a must to show that a law enforcer sets a good example to others.

"The principles of honesty and integrity as well as discharging their duties responsibly should be the core of any police officer or personnel," he said.

It was reported that for a third straight year, crime during the period declined, thanks to intensified crime prevention measures by the police and community-based policing.

The overall crime index during Ops Selamat between Feb 8 and Feb 13 this year showed 1,008 cases compared to 1,284 cases last year and 1,379 in 2022 for the same festive season.

The number of theft and house break-in cases also fell to 265, from 299 last year and 326 in 2022.