South Sudan chief justice advises police to maintain professionalism

By Ngor Arol Garang

August 10, 2010 (KHARTOUM) – President of the Supreme Court of Southern Sudan, Justice John Wol Makec on Tuesday advised regional police forces to maintain professionalism and desist from all acts and behavior associated with the abuse of power.

While clarifying that detention of suspects through influence is not only a violation of human rights but can also be costly to the government, he lauded introduction of badges that distinguish public order police forces, commonly known as mobile forces, from rest of the police forces.

“The over detention of suspects is not only a violation of human rights but can also be costly to the government. It also dents the image of our Police Service, which image you will be expected to continue to build and jealously protect,” the Chief Justice cautioned.

He also advised the police service to desist from engaging in politics to avoid compromising their careers. “Your part in politics is to provide an enabling environment through which politics can be played without players resorting to violence against each other. It is for this reason that the public, who are your employers, will expect you to be neutral and professional at all times,” he advised.

He pointed out that police forces currently undergoing training service need to be properly orientated with the rule of law so that by the time they pass out, they shall know what it means to be a professional police force.

“I am told these forces will be passed [out] soon. If so, then, they will be passing out at a time when the nation seems to be already preparing itself for next year’s referendum on self-determination for [the] people of Southern Sudan,” he said, adding that as the country becomes embraced in referendum fever, they will be required to enhance and intensify professional and impartial policing.

The Inspector General, Lt. General Achuil Tito in his office also briefed the Chief Justice on the recent police training he among other senior police officers attended in South Africa on the rule of law and management. He returned on Friday last week.

The Inspector General told the Chief Justice that there was a culture of blaming the organized forces when things go wrong, adding that his police was working to correct such a culture.

“Our recruits in the training are receiving training on various professional skills to work towards reversing this culture. This culture can only be reversed by showing professionalism in all activities involving police force,” he said, adding the region is currently a peaceful environment.

Tito had earlier during the April elections urged the police force not to succumb to briberies. “Bribes, too, can compromise your work as police officers, they are dangerous to you as you may be arrested and ruin your future,” he said.

However, in the April elections despite instructions and legal advice offered to the recruits, witnessed a lot of intimidations, arbitrary arrest, expulsion from polling stations and frauds at the watch of police forces.

Tito also, at the time of passing out police forces in March, urged the police officers to desist from engaging in illegal activities which can endanger the security of their career.

“As police officers, you are expected to be non partisan, professional and loyal only to general public without distinction on bases of political affiliations. You should continue to be obedient to lawful orders in the discharge of your duties. You must continue with the discipline that you have acquired in this training and serve the people of our region diligently,” he told them.

(ST)