More effective methods to improve police performance |26 March 2021

Minister Fonseka addressing the gathering (Photo: Joena Meme)

The last several years have been challenging for law enforcement, in terms of evolution in the crime patterns, leading to practices that have doubtful efficiency at decreasing felony and proven effectiveness, Minister for Internal Affairs Errol Fonseka has said.

This, he said, has greatly affected the reputation of the police force, especially its relation with the community in carrying out its duties concerning public order.

Minister Fonseka was addressing a group of senior and junior police officers yesterday, during the force’s annual meeting to discuss its strategic plan and debrief on last year’s performance.

Present at the gathering held at the Seychelles Coast Guard auditorium at Ile Perseverance were acting Commissioner of Police Ted Barbé and his outgoing counterpart Kishnan Labonté.

He noted that it is very disappointing to see the ineffectiveness of law enforcement vis-a-vis the new trend in crime which only a few years back were witnessed only on the international news scenes.

Minister Fonseka explained that the futility is a missed opportunity on the part of law enforcement to help our beloved country at its most vulnerable moment.

He said yesterday’s meeting was the perfect opportunity for the officers to reflect deeply on the real situation and to choose whether they want to continue with things the way it is, achieving the same results, or if they want to change for the better and work based on the noble fundamental principles of the force.

The latter, he said, will enable them to regain the respect and reputation they deserve as members of the police force.

The Internal Affairs minister further noted that when entering any country, law enforcement personnel are the first people one sees and that they are the image of the country.

He acknowledged that in the past, the local law enforcement has been neglected by the authority, but however noted that law enforcement personnel have also neglected themselves, failing to deliver up to the required standard.

“Many of you have already forgotten why you joined the force initially, including the promise you made through your oath of allegiance to uphold the core values of the force,” noted Minister Fonseka, who described the values as the backbone of the force.

Among the many faulty areas within force, Minister Fonseka mentioned resources, appearance and image of the force, corruption and also lack of training opportunities.

In terms of resources and equipment, Minister Fonseka acknowledged that there is presently a lack of essential working tools.

He however noted that without self motivation, passion, devotion and the will to perform, having state-of-the-art equipment will not change anything in terms of output and efficiency.

“If you can go the extra mile to make a difference in your job, the result will speak for itself,” he added.

Minister Fonseka also stressed on training which he said is the key element in maintaining a good performance, especially decision-making, without doubting their abilities.

Education and training have always served as critical foundational elements for law enforcement and they are even more relevant in today’s society.

Advanced training technologies and techniques have the potential to equip officers with the right combination of knowledge and skills, improving the safety and effectiveness of law enforcement and benefiting communities worldwide.

Team building and wellbeing of members of the force is another area which needs to be tackled, Minister Fonseka noted.

Another crucial negative element which needs to be tackled is police corruption.

This is a form of police misconduct in which law enforcement officers end up breaking their political contract and abuse their power for personal gain.

“Corruption, in all its form, will no longer be tolerated within the police force and it is up to you to take the first steps,” Minister Fonseka reminded the officers who were also informed that a voluntary declaration of asset programme will soon be introduced within the force.

Polygraph or lie detector will also be introduced as a tool to deal with corruption within the force, Minister Fonseka noted.

Regarding existing cold cases, Minister Fonseka said that the force will try its best to work them out and bring results.

Despite the weaknesses, Minister Fonseka acknowledged that there are members of the force who are doing their best to deliver according to the organisation’s code of ethics, with the aim of pushing the police force forward.

Roland Duval