17 S. Sulawesi policemen fired in 2003

MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: South Sulawesi Police chief Insp. Gen. Jusuf Manggabarani said he had fired 17 police officers last year for violating the law.

"Any violations will be dealt with accordingly," Jusuf said on Thursday.

Data from the South Sulawesi Provincial Police station revealed that a total of 277 officers went to trial in 2003, of which 17 were fired.

Jusuf said stern measures were crucial in improving the discipline and quality and maintaining the professionalism of the officers, as well as in upholding the police's image as law enforcers, guards and protectors of the people. -- Antara