Wanted: Improved service from police

Wanted: Improved service from police

The Jakarta Metropolitan Police are improving the quality of
its service to the public in stages. One manifestation of this is
by making available a sufficient number of patrol cars in all
parts of Greater Jakarta.

According to the plan, in June one hundred police patrol cars
will be fielded to various areas, from a target of 500 as
announced by the Metro Police Chief Makbul Padmanegara.

The people sincerely hopes that its high expectations of the
police force will become a reality; not as we have experienced so
far, where there are no definite standards. The telephone numbers
for complaints, for instance, are more often than not engaged.
Even when we get through, it is difficult to make sure whether
the service sought can be provided or not. It means that seeking
police assistance is a game of chance that depends of luck.

The budget assistance given by the regional administration and
business circles for police operations should not imply that the
police favor its donors, because such contributions are meant to
better serve public interests rather than certain individuals or
institutions.

In order to provide high quality and effective service, the
metropolitan police should also improve the mentality of their
personnel, administratively as well as in the field. However
advanced operational facilities may be, if it is not combined
with a positive mentality and attitude, the service will not be
optimal.

--Warta Kota, Jakarta