Police need a watchdog<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The central government must seriously consider
\nestablishing a Police Commission to help supervise and control
\nthe discipline of police, including their acts towards suspected
\ncriminals, a criminologist suggested on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
Criminologist Adrianus Meliala of the University of Indonesia
\ntold a seminar that the proposed commission would comprise
\ngovernment officials, members of the House of Representatives and
\nNational Police officers.<\/p>\n
\"How many times have we heard of people bribing traffic police
\nto avoid being ticketed? There are also police officers
\nblackmailing suspects, or even beating up suspects to obtain
\nconfessions,\" Adrianus told reporters along the sidelines of the
\nseminar on an independent and professional police force.<\/p>\n
\"Don't believe that the police internal affairs can properly
\nhandle these matters. If such a commission were established, the
\ngeneral public could mail letters to the commission to discuss
\nsuch issues openly,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Adrianus added that such a commission also could oversee
\npolice policies.<\/p>\n
\"Till now, it is the National Police chief who sets policies
\nto his liking. Every time the chief changes, the policies also
\nchange,\" Adrianus said.<\/p>\n
He explained that as a result, the chief is the one who
\ndecides whether a suspect is wrong or not, based on his policies.<\/p>\n
\"This should not be the case. The chief's autocratic authority
\non major decisions, that effects thousands of lives, should be
\nlessened,\" Adrianus said. (ylt)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/police-need-a-watchdog-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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