Community Policing? – Sounds Gratifying The Ghana Police has stepped up its visibility and response to distress calls. The public is also co-operating with information and it is showing. There is no doubt about it. In Accra, the Regional commander, ACP Rose Atinga Bio is definitely living it up to her responsibilities. She gives me the assurance that women can be capable in their jobs and are prepared to go all miles to prove the challenges that get bestowed upon them. I am definitely proud of her level headedness and her independent mindedness. I listened to her interview with a radio presenter the other day and she left me in no doubt that she is on top of her job. She is an epitome of the flower she took her name from. Plenty of prickly thorns even to its admirers but radiates from afar beautiful petals with sweet scent. The type of flower that completes a fresh bouquet. I can imagine how working together with the former acting IGP, Mrs Elizabeth Mills-Robertson would have been like. Two very hard nuts I guess. Auntie Rose is truly my ideal police officer. She will need our support and encouragement to cover all terrain. I have developed a latent likeness for the police, particularly of late, even though sometimes they drive one round the bend. They are really trying despite the kind of conditions they are currently working under. I get undaunted when I see them at traffic intersections because I know for sure that those taxi and tro-tro drivers who misbehave behind the steering wheel get cowed at the sight of a man in uniform. That is why the news item I heard on the radio the other day which suggested something to the effect that the Ghana Police Force is going to focus on community policing strikes a cord. Bless them. I am persuaded that a clear strategy and a way forward with community policing will change the face of the force for good. When the success story of modern day policing comes to be written, closeness to the citizenry will certainly add the needed colour to brighten its image. In an earlier article that I had done in recent times on the police, I had drawn attention to the kind of effective neighbourhood policing that one sees in some foreign countries. On the beat, some call it. I have argued that being close to the citizenry will help boost the confidence and respect the people have for the men and women in uniform. It will begin to break down the hard perception that one has of them and endear them to the hearts of the people. It has taken them too long but isn’t it better late than never? It gets unfortunate when in one or two isolated cases the police over react or mistakenly use force or arms against unarmed civilians. Those unfortunate cases create disaffection and anger. And quite naturally so. However, with constant education and training, such over reactions could be brought to a minimum if not completely eliminated. Crime is getting sophisticated and rampant under our noses. Citizens are getting alarmed and the feeling of insecurity is gradually crippling active social life be it daytime or night time, at home, at work, on the streets, on the highways and at other public places. It is the police who can put the certitude back in the citizenry while erasing that feeling of fear and uncertainty from the minds of the people. Their physical presence in our midst will be a blessed assurance that indeed they are for us and we are their partners in fighting crime and instilling peace and order in the society. That re-invigourates a belief that I have always held - that the men and women of the police force should never be segregated from the people and confined to the barracks. Instead, they should be provided with accommodation within civilian communities. The way I get on with my neighbour, so it will be if a police officer was to live a door or two away from me. We will be buying from the same community kiosk, go to the same community pharmacy, the men will meet up with the local boys at the community barber round the corner, and the ladies will be getting to know their neighbours at the local hair dressing salons. All will be crossing each others’ path at funerals and family celebrations. The closeness to the people will win affection and will make the job even easier. Community policing will mean bringing the police to the people and dismantling all myths and any hard feelings. The human face of the police will begin to emerge and people will then begin to confide in the police, cooperate and volunteer information on criminals, trouble rousers and potential trouble spots even before they erupt. This is how others have done it and have achieved success in bringing crime to light faster in other countries. It is encouraging the gradual interest citizens have shown in volunteering information on criminals and which has led the police and other agencies to effect some arrests. The noble plans of on-the-beat policing are going to be the new face of our police force. Currently, the police presence at traffic intersections has not only brought some order at some of the notoriously rowdy intersections but it has also put the discipline into those who jump red lights with impunity. We are seeing some order here. The other commendable presence of the police is the increasing police barriers and patrols one sees at night. Coming to Dansoman at night now feels reassuring unlike before. The police have set up barriers at short intervals on some of the roads leading to and within the suburb. It is a great job, no qualms about it. The increasing visibility of the police in our communities is most welcome news. We will support it whole heartedly hoping that it will continue and remain a permanent feature. By the way, what happened to the discussion on the fund to be established to help the police do their work? For now, let us welcome with aplomb, the latest style of bringing policing to the door steps of the people. What refreshing and progressive news. Written by Vicky Wireko Andoh Email: [vickywirekoandoh@yahoo.com] Source: Reality Zone with Vicky Wireko Daily Graphic