Upper Nile passes out over 100 police officers

September 1, 2010 (RENK) – Upper Nile passed out 123 police on Wednesday after completing six months of intensive training of basic recruitments and leadership in the state capital Malakal.

The officers comprised of 107 constables, 6 cadet assistant superintendents and 10 cadet inspectors. Speaking at the passing out ceremony, Simon Kun Puoch, governor of Upper Nile state congratulated the new graduates and said he was convinced that the officers will be dedicated and committed to their duties as they have demonstrated that during their training.

This, he added, will have a great impact on their future assignment as police officers.

“I will therefore challenge you officers to carry out your duties without fear and favor, and you should be ready to conduct and perform general policing duties and other related engagements with the service welfare of the people and society,” said Governor Puoch.

Puoch told the officers that they will be confronted with numerous challenges and problems once they go out to work in society.

“I therefore expect you to make teamwork and collective effort to fulfill their mandate as trained police officers. Consult, if you don’t know and ask for assistance when in difficulties, this will greatly enhance your operation among yourselves and the great[er] society,” the governor advised.

He further reminded the officers that they cannot operate in isolation and hope to succeed and urged them to collaborate with the community and the people around them.

“You are there to serve them but not to act as their masters in modern policing, the emphasis on community policing is a crime prevention strategy that calls for collaboration between the police and the community to combat crime and other communal problems”.

He continued: “Be honest, be loyal and operate within the philosophy of the force; that is courtesy, openness, neutrality, to be factual, approach, ability, considerate and thoughtfulness. We must endeavor to support and consolidate the efforts of southern President Salva Kiir Mayardit as far as the security and tranquility of this country is concerned.”

“The ultimate vision is to transform this country into a safe heaven and establish a crime-free nation. We must work harder to jealously safeguard the peace and stability that this region has been enjoying in the past five years to continue to enjoy.”

The governor said that peace and stability cannot be achieved in the country if the security operatives are not extra-vigilant, determined, committed, dedicated, loyal and always prepared to sacrifice. He challenged the officers to live up to society’s expectations and be loyal to the president and the government of south Sudan.

“I expect all of you to protect the sovereignty of this nation,” he concluded.

General Gier Chuang Aluong, the minister of Internal Affairs, in a message read on his behalf thanked the parents of the officers for allowing their sons and daughters to join police force, to serve their nation.

“The officers were trained on various areas ranging from basic policing, self defense, riot control, and various disciplines which prepare them for challenges ahead,” his message said.

“You are given all it takes to be police officers and to whom much is given, much is expected. It is the duty of the law enforcement agents to fight against drug abuse, trafficking and corruption.”

“The president’s call for zero tolerance on maladministration practices and corruption should be implemented to the letter and as officers; you must desist from abuse and corruption. We will not live any stone unturned in the fight against corruption in this region,” he said.

“The region’s security is a collective responsibility with community support to join and fight corruption. South Sudan is known for its peace and security and that is why it is other people are not comfortable without stability,” said Minister Gier a message read on his behave at the function.

State Commissioner of Police, Gatkuoth Kuoth who is in charge of the training center informed the gathering that this year’s recruits are the best in three years.

“This is [the] first of its kind that the police training was able to run three courses simultaneously completing successfully the same date. The officers can be relied upon in all assignments of general policing to serve both at national and international levels,” he said.

Kuoth finally called on the officers to be faithful and bear true allegiance to the general public and provide security during the south’s secession referendum, due to take place in January.

(ST)