GEORGE TOWN: A total of 1,429 senior and junior officers of the police were subject to disciplinary action, including 134 dismissals, throughout last year.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said the police would never compromise on any officer or member found guilty of an offence, but firm action would be taken to ensure the integrity of the force is maintained.
"Of the 1,429 police officers and members, 819 were given warnings, 211 fined, 190 had their emoluments forfeited, 18 had their salary movement suspended, 34 had their salaries reduced, 23 were demoted, and 134 were dismissed," he told reporters after attending the Penang Crime Consciousness and Public Safety Society (CCPSS) Premier Forum here on Thursday (April 23).
He said the recorded offences involved various forms of misconduct, with the highest number related to integrity, namely 1,072 cases, followed by crime (98), drug abuse (95), governance (91), syariah (40), and corruption (33).
Ayob Khan said that although the number of officers and personnel subject to action was small compared to the total force strength of approximately 130,000, it still had a major impact on the police's image.
"Maybe the number is only around one per cent, but the impact is huge because this small group can tarnish the image and affect all the efforts and good achievements that the team has made, that is why firm action must be taken without compromise," he said.
Elaborating further, he said the police have an internal investigation mechanism through the Integrity and Standards Compliance Department, in addition to external monitoring by the Independent Police Conduct Commission under the Home Affairs Ministry.
Therefore, he said, members of the public who are dissatisfied with the results of the police's internal investigation can lodge a complaint with the commission.
Ayob Khan also stressed that integrity is the main foundation for maintaining the public's trust in the security forces, and a pillar of an organisation's effectiveness.
He said in today's technological era, any misconduct can be easily recorded and transmitted, thus demanding that every member display a high level of integrity in every action. – Bernama
