Police urged to improve image

JAKARTA (JP): The police force has to work hard to improve its image which has been tarnished by the conduct of individual personnel, a communication expert said yesterday.

The expert, Bachtiar Aly, urged the police to improve its reputation by publicizing success stories.

"The public's high expectations of the police will be fulfilled if the police can prove they are competent," Bachtiar said while addressing the 51st anniversary of the Police College.

Bachtiar said the police had not yet satisfied the public's expectations for better "mental attitudes" and public service, he said.

A lack of technical ability and responsiveness were key points that the police had not yet addressed, Bachtiar said.

Despite its discrepancies, the police's recent successful raids on drug syndicates and vehicle-theft rings should get the thumbs-up, he said.

Police Chief Gen. Dibyo Widodo said the Police College had to cooperate with local and foreign educational institutions to improve its professionalism.

One hundred and fifty-seven officers were awarded bachelor degrees yesterday. Two officers failed the course. Thirty-two female officers completed a three-year diploma program.

Dibyo also awarded medals of honor to former college governors and deans who served between 1946 and 1997. (cst)