Plain-clothes policemen

From Suara Pembaruan

The police chiefs are always complaining about the shortage of personnel to maintain security and order. Their complaints are justifiable when we consider the vastness of our archipelago and the large population of the country. In this context I would like to suggest a way to increase the number of the personnel without the need for new recruits.

Deploy more plain-clothes policemen and let them mingle with the crowds and only post a few policemen in uniforms in certain areas and at police stations. The plain-clothes policemen must always take their identity cards with them and make the public familiar with the identity systems. They should carry fire arms for defensive purposes and should also be equipped with a warrant to legalize their operations. It is also very important for them to show the society that they sincerely want to combat crime.

Through this system, I believe, the people will feel the presence of the policemen wherever they are: in public buses, libraries, banks, etc. The criminals will think twice before they act for fear that an unidentified policeman may be around. The public will therefore feel more secure and will be able to conduct their business in peace.

WAHYUDI PH

Bekasi, W. Java