Eight new police companies set up

JAKARTA (JP): The city police established eight new companies yesterday to back up police operations in the fight against surging crime in Greater Jakarta.

"The ability of the new companies is in making quick maneuvers in handling crowds, search and rescue and limited antiterror movements," Jakarta Police Chief Maj. Gen. Noegroho Djajoesman said at the induction ceremony for the units.

Four of the companies are called Perintis Shabara squads with 360 personnel, Noegroho said, adding that the other four constituted backup companies with 328 officers.

The companies, under the city police on-the-alert unit, are outfitted with special abilities, ranging from securing the scene of crimes to pursuing criminals.

"The officers selected as members of the companies are very good at the very least in driving vehicles and shooting," Col. Arthur Damanik, chief of the police on-the-alert unit, said.

The group will be divided into smaller teams for their activities. "The teams could be very mobile and active in giving response to report of crimes," he said.

Noegroho said he the new companies would boost police professionalism in executing their duties.

"We want to lift the quality, not just the quantity." (edt)