Police Minister and Member for Henganofi Robert Atiyafa is concerned that members of the public as well as elected national leaders continue to question the authority of the Commissioner of Police over the Police Force.
Atiyafa made this comment following statements issued by Goroka MP Bire Kimisopa in Parliament on Wednesday over “rogue police”.
Kimisopa also questioned why cases have to be “vetted” by the Police Commissioner before any arrest is made.
“It is naïve and perhaps mischievous for the Member for Goroka to make such an inference,” said Atiyafa.
“To start off with, Mr Kimisopa should know that not all police investigations are sanctioned by the Police Commissioner and this vetting process is not a new creation by Police Commissioner Gari Baki.
“This vetting process has been in existence ever since the establishment of the RPNGC.
“The committee is in fact the established police chain of command or hierarchy. This process ensures cases are properly managed, allows for greater transparency, more accountability and helps prevent malicious prosecution.
“Kimisopa, as a former police minister, knows that the only time when matters are referred to the Police Commissioner is when a public figure or leader is involved, and this is done only as a matter of protocol,” Minister Atiyafa said.
He further clarified that the term rogue police was used to describe the police investigators who had gone to Popondetta, in the Northern Province, to investigate Ijivitari Open Member David Arore without the authorisation from their superiors.
“There are many honest hardworking policemen serving around the country and I have the deepest of respects for them all. However, it is these small numbers of rogue element who continue to tarnish the name and image of the Constabulary,” Minister Atiyafa said.
He added that such unsanctioned investigations done without the supervision of the police hierarchy provides the opportunity for corrupt practices to take place.
“It will be interesting to find out who paid for the travel expenses of the police fraud officers who travelled to Popondetta,” Minister Atiyafa said.
The Minister further clarified that the police force cannot, on its own volition, investigate government entities.
The only time police personnel will be asked to investigate is upon the recommendation of the Auditor General’s office, after proper audit and inspection has taken place. He said detectives are then sent to investigate using police resources and funds.
“I appeal to any public office holders, leaders and especially members of parliament who have been asked to pay policemen, to report this to the Commissioner of Police to investigate.
“I also appeal to leaders not to induce policemen to do your dirty work for you,” Minister Atiyafa concluded.