Police to involve public in the fight against crime
The Western Regional Police Command have embarked on a proactive and democratic policing to involve the public in the fight against crime and other forms of lawlessness.
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The command has, therefore, slated February as the month to educate the public on various aspects of the criminal law that are commonly flouted by Ghanaians.
The Regional Commander, DCOP Kofi Boakye, told the Daily Graphic that the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) and other units in the region would embark on the educational drive.
He said during the month, the police would visit various communities and lorry parks in the region to provide them with certain important security tips and sensitise them to basic laws concerning crime, and police activities.
DCOP Boakye said the drivers would be taken through the importance of observing road traffic regulations, the need to change dysfunctional break lights, traffic indicators, basic tools, and how to be defensive on the road, among others.
He said the aim was to ensure that crime and all forms of indiscipline on the roads were reduced to the barest minimum, if not eliminated, adding that other police units under other regional commands would also take policing to the doorstep of members of the public.
The regional commander mentioned that traditional rulers, religious leaders, heads of civil society organisations, transport unions and members of the general public would all be involved in the education to ensure success.
“It is important to note that criminals and other law breakers live within the communities as friends, neighbours, family members, among others; therefore, if we want a lawful and just society, as citizens, we have to expose them not because we don’t like them but because we want to shape society,” he said.
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On the issue of robbery in the region, he said even though there was an improvement, there was still much work to be done, adding that most of the robberies occurred at places where the telecommunication networks were not working, which makes it difficult for residents to call for help.
DCOP Boakye said while various discussions were being held with the telecommunication companies for improved service, the police usually mounted check points in the identified areas.
He said currently, the police was collaborating with district assemblies to establish additional barriers in crime-prone areas such as Atabokrom, Sekobokrom, Dabiso, Adabokrom, Sewfi Asawhiso and Sewfi Bekwai, Wassa Amenfi and Asankrakwa.
“We want the communities or the public to be part of the police and have the sense of ownership and belonging, which creates a platform for the constant flow of information without fear of being arrested, since the community would work in tandem with the police,” he said.
To further enhance this, he said, a community relations desk would be created at police stations in the region to handle community policing and neighbourhood watchdog activities.