South Sudan police to increase community engagement

November 8, 2012 (JUBA) – New tactics will be implemented to tackle South Sudan’s crime, spokesperson of the nation’s police service, James Monday, said on Thursday.

Monday dismissed speculation that the move was part of strategies to tighten security measures in the wake of coup rumours and discontent amongst communities inhabiting the region which will be affected by the implementation of a demilitarised zone along the northern international border, as agreed upon by Juba and Khartoum in Addis Ababa in September.

“We have no time to waste. Police have a responsibility to protect the citizens and their property but this is being hampered by a lot of administrative challenges,” said Monday, without elaborating on the nature of the challenges.

Monday said his ministry encourages the establishment of friendly contacts with civilians in order for them to be able to get information about criminals and their activities and to hunt them in a way that strengthens and increases deterrence.

“Combating crimes and establishing law and order in a new nation like South Sudan is not an easy task,” said Deng.

He called upon South Sudan’s neighbours to offer their support in the combating of crime. “Those coming must have clear records. This does not mean that we do not want their help but must clean records,” he added.

He said the ministry was increasing community policing because it is an important way to combat crime and that measures will be implemented at the end of November accordingly.

“We can never give up; we can never leave crimes to multiply. We can never leave the responsibility of community policing to them because it will leave a vacuum and crime rates will shoot up. We need to cooperate with residents and members of the community,” said Monday.

(ST)