14 policemen in Central Java discharged

14 policemen in Central Java discharged

Agus Maryono, The Jakarta Post, Purwokerto

At least 14 policemen in Central Java, including six high and
middle-ranking officers, were dishonorably discharged in May and
June for various disciplinary offenses, including desertion and
drug use.

Central Java Police chief Insp. Gen. Erwin Mappaseng said here
on Wednesday that some of the dismissed officers were involved in
general crimes, such as fraud.

"The image of the police is in the hands of those on duty.
Therefore, we will take stern action against those guilty of
disciplinary breaches," he said after opening a training session
for 849 police officers in Purwokerto, the capital of Banyumas,
Central Java.

He admitted that many of his officers across the province were
unable to carry out their duties with the "sympathy" necessary of
members of the police.

"There are many police officers still blackmailing, defrauding
and committing other crimes. We will take firm action against
them," Erwin promised.

He said that during the first week of July alone, at least two
more policemen had been put under investigation by the Central
Java Police Headquarters for suspicion of drug use.

He said every member of the provincial police force, including
those assigned to administrative jobs, were subject to
supervision and monitoring by his office.

Urine tests will be given to officers suspected of being
involved in drug syndicates, particularly those officers who are
known to often visit amusement centers and nightspots, he added.

Erwin also said the police needed the public's help to improve
the image of the force. "So criticize us so we will be able to
solve these problems."

He promised to keep secret the identities of people reporting
criminal cases involving police officers in the province.

"We don't have a law to protect witnesses, but we guarantee
their safety," he said.