Police activate hotlines for complaints against officers

The Police Administration has activated the following hotlines to enable members of the public, especially motorists and passengers, to reach police authorities on their experiences with officers on the road.

The numbers are 0550323323 (voice calls and sms only) 0275000156 (voice calls and sms only) and 020 663 9121 (whatsapp/ videos only)

A statement issued and signed by the Director-General of Public Affairs,  Assistant Commissioner of Police,  Mr David Eklu, said that had become necessary as a result of complaints about police unprofessional conduct while on duty.

 It said the activation of the complaint numbers followed directives issued by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) last October regarding measures to check such complaints.

“All road users are encouraged to send videos of police misconduct, including pictures, whatsapp, text messages and voice calls on police unprofessional conduct and good conduct worth emulating,” the statement said.

Motorists

It identified the units that were mandated to act on behalf of the police with regard to road and traffic-related issues.

“The Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) is the mandated unit in charge of road and motor issues. Personnel of the unit are identified in white tunic over black trousers, with a peaked cap or combo as headgear. They sometimes wear reflective jackets on their top uniforms to enhance visibility,” it said.

On highway patrol, the statement indicated that the police highway patrol teams “are basically assigned to combat highway robberies and also prevent other crimes on the highway. They are mostly identified in normal Police operational clothes and are armed”.

It further explained that  police officers at various barriers and check points were strategically detailed to address specific national security concerns.  They also wore police operational uniforms and were armed.

“Apart from the MTTD, none of the above mentioned officers on highway  patrol/barrier duties is deployed to specifically conduct motor checks, e.g. inspecting driver’s licences, road worthy and insurance certificates,” it said.

However, the statement said any police officer “can conduct traffic related checks based on reasonable suspicion of a road traffic offence but will have to immediately hand over the case to the Police MTTD after the preliminary action”.

It concluded with a caution to motorists to adhere to traffic laws on the road.

“The Police Administration, therefore appeals to the public to give maximum cooperation, and wish to assure the public that such complaints, when received, will be expeditiously dealt with,” it added.