The police: An image of contradiction

It is a pity that often the public does not want to know how heavy the task of the police is.

The police is faced with the same problem as the bureaucracy: a sprawling organization, slowness in action, scarcity of funds, and easiness to corrupt.

On the one hand the police is expected to act fast as extra- ordinary professionals against increasingly sophisticated and complex crimes. On the other hand, what with financial constraint, minimum spirit of professionalism, and unforthcoming public appreciation, they can not do much.

Consequently the police personnel has to improvise in many ways -- regular, non-regular and even illegal ways -- to get over the limitations.

Many policemen still manage to devote to their job with admirable dedication.

However, it is the blacker image that has stayed in the public's mind.

It is no easy task to better the police image. Not only the needed fund is limited but unfortunately the police has also been taken as "important" but sadly "not a priority".

The job of creating a police force that meet public expectation is a big one and one that calls for strong political will.

-- Republika, Jakarta