The Member of Parliament (MP) for Gomoa East, Desmond Paitoo, has called on the Inspector General of Police, James Oppong-Boanuh, to boost police visibility in the country rather than the excessive focus on road traffic regulations.
In an interview, he indicated that the rising number of crimes on the streets require a boost in Police visibility as a way of curbing crime. He said a lot of people have been shot dead and there has not been any response from the Police in this regard. He therefore called on the Service to put in more effort in addressing the issue.
“I believe this is of concern to the Police, and they need to make the necessary efforts for us to know that they are working. The IGP should increase street visibility of officers. Most of the Police Officers you meet on the road are arresting drivers but there are people who are committing more crimes than drivers. The Police needs to brainstorm and ensure they are well-equipped. We will give this information to the IGP to look at it, and get his men back to the streets.”
Desmond Paitoo
Reassess crime-fighting strategy
Mr Paitoo further said the IGP must reassess the crime-fighting strategy of the service to guarantee the safety of citizens as the current crime rate has become a concern to the public.
“There is insecurity in this country, and I am calling on the government to wake up and look at the system. The Police must be well-equipped. For every mile, at least, you should meet a police officer well-equipped so that when criminals violate the law, we can apprehend them right after the crime.”
Desmond Paitoo
The Member of Parliament also commiserated with the family of the Police officer who was shot dead in the Bullion van attack which happened on Monday, June 14, 2021.
Crime rate, will soon be under control
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Nathan Kofi Boakye, has given the assurance that the rising spate of crime in the country will soon be under control.
Speaking during the passing out ceremony of the new Police Service recruits, he revealed that the leadership of the Service has put in place mechanisms to help resolve the rising crime rate in the country.
“I want to emphasize to the nation that very soon all those involved in this bullion robbery and especially those who committed it, will be arrested very soon. They can run and run but they cannot hide.”
Desmond Paitoo
Mr. Kofi Boakye also appealed to the recruits to be alert in gathering useful information which can lead to the arrest of the perpetrators of these crimes.
“It is incumbent on all of us including you the new recruits to help us achieve this objective, starting from now and you have a duty of arresting these criminals who killed one of us. This is non-negotiable and we cannot compromise on the need to arrest these criminals.”
Desmond Paitoo
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