Ceylon Today Editorial

THE TASK BEFORE PROF. SIRI HETTIGE 

22nd October 2015

At last the dream for an Independent Police Commission (IPC) has turned into a reality. The much awaited IPC saw the light of the day when President Maithripala Sirisena officially approved the nominees to the Commission proposed by the Constitutional Council last Wednesday.

The country had been yearning for the establishment of this Commission since the present Constitution was introduced in 1978 with the UNP wielding a five sixth majority in Parliament. Successive President's pledged to introduce independent commissions on public, judiciary and the police, but conveniently ignored those promises and demands made by the Opposition during that period. President Sirisena needs to be commended for honouring the most important pledge to set up those commissions under his Good Governance policy.

The Police Department over the past four-and-a-half decades has come in for severe public criticism. The number of complaints against the Police has increased many folds. Corruption is reported to be rampant. Senior Police officers were charged for murder and corruption. Bribery is another charge against police officers. Police transfers were politically motivated. During elections those policemen who supported the then governments gained promotions. Seniority and competence was overlooked. Politics was the criteria for policemen to reach the peak in their career. Able, honest and disciplined police officers were sidelined or transferred to rural areas. Now the time has come to discipline the entire Police Department.

The appointment of Professor Siri Hettige who is a Professor of Sociology as Chairman of the Commission on Police is a welcome feature. Prof. Hettige has a wealth of experience in social issues that confront the society. He is practical person who could deal with any sensitive issue that concern the public and the police. He has been entrusted with the responsibility of making appointments, effecting transfers, handling promotions, control of discipline and dismissal of errant police officers.

Prof. Hettige and his members in the Commission face a tough task in giving the Police Department a new face. Politicians in this country at grass roots level and upward will not easily give up mounting pressure on the police when their cohorts are arrested for breach of law. They are used to that type of low conduct over decades. Even if a drug addict could be rehabilitated, it is difficult to rehabilitate a politician who is undisciplined and corrupt. But if the police enforce the arm of the law equally, such politicians could be put in their place with the establishment of this Police Commission.

Police should not fear to spontaneously arrest politicians who breach the law. The Commission also should monitor the conduct and activities of the police to prevent police officers from taking undue advantage of powers vested in them. Public complaints must be investigated early to ensure that the police are just and fair in its duties. The Learned Professor taken upon handling the Police at a very crucial time. Not only the lower ranks, but also the top ranks in the Police faces a variety of charges starting from bribery to murder and treasure hunting. Also policemen testifying before Court against senior police officers are reported missing.

In such a backdrop of a somewhat corrupt police service, Prof. Hettige faces a herculean task to first discipline the police to increase public confidence. Next, Prof. Hettige would have to concentrate on building better and strong police-public relations. Thirdly, he will have to build confidence in the Police to eradicate political interference in the affairs of the Police Department.

The Commission of Prof. Hettige should also hold the police responsible for a disciplined internal administration under an accountability process. It must also strike the right balance between the need for the police service to meet both local and national priorities and needs. The Commission should also ensure that the Police implement a proper management of resources and human resources in the department. Prof. Hettige's own house must be put in order first before others start to complain about the occupants in the house. To re-establish public confidence in the Police is a herculean task.