There should be no prejudice in essential services

THE conduct of the police personnel in Kajang, who did not allow a member of the public to lodge a report just because of her attire, is worrisome even if the dress code for government premises is clear.

There should be no place in our essential services, particularly the police, for people with personal prejudices, if this was the case.

An inquiry should be held to investigate whether he was acting on his own or under instructions, and all those involved should be put on the mat with a view for retraining.

In the case mentioned above, the focus should have been on the nature and seriousness of the complaint rather than the attire.

The police should also seriously consider making all their personnel collectively accountable if they do not take action or fail to inform their superiors when they become aware of misconduct among their colleagues during raids, seizures or arrests.

This case in an example of little Napoleons in our system who need to be reined in immediately, and again why the IPCMC (Independent Police Complaints of Misconduct Commission) Act is imperative.

Our essential services must go back to the basics in ensuring that saving lives and property is given the right priority without personal prejudices interfering in the necessary decisions.

Swift and accurate decisions can only be made effectively when facts of a situation are understood and disseminated swiftly.

Time is always of the essence when our essential services, especially the police, are called to duty.

Lives can be lost and admissible evidence can deteriorate or disappear completely if decisions and actions are delayed.

There has to be total empathy whenever there is a cry for help from members of the public.

There have been many incidents of rogue personnel and little Napoleons hogging the media limelight.

These have affected the image of the police and will undermine society’s trust and confidence in the force.

An overall review followed by remedial action is imperative to ensure that the right approach to public service and the attitude to serve and protect are addressed firmly and professionally at all times.

G. SELVA

Ipoh