The last few years have seen a reappearance in foot patrols in the nation’s capital.
NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Ben Turi says foot beat patrols will increase police visibility in busy areas, enhance our citizens' feeling of safety, and build bridges between citizens and police.
“Police officer are slacking off and are either sitting in the vehicles or driving around aimlessly,” Turi says.
Turi adds that officers should have knowledge of their area and should knowing shopkeepers and regulars by name now and they are expected to visit businesses along their beat and to interact with citizens.
“Come out of your comfort zones and respond to calls for service within your areas.”
He adds that foot beat officers must also be able to assist other police officers in identifying suspects due to the knowledge base they develop while on patrol.
Turi says officers walking the beat should have pride in them and consider it to be a very worthwhile task.