Eight new police companies set up

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)