Senior Police officers have my best interest at heart

Dear Editor,

I agree with the sentiments of the comment especially about the Minister being hamstrung because of the push to have the Samoa Police Force go in a certain direction, namely the arming of policemen in carrying out their duties.

Many letters have been written condemning senior police and accusing them of everything from corruption to having a job because of their family connections. These emotional attacks camouflage the main issue which started all of this; the concern by senior police officers about tarnishing the police reputation from raids like that at the Fugalei market. 

The Ombudsman report was scathing of the action of the police under the leadership of the present commissioner.

For those of you who are now presenting the commissioner as a public martyr, one who will solve all the ills in the Samoa Police, you are also agreeing to his method of policing, law and order from the point of a gun. 

This American approach to policing probably works in some situations but the risks are significant. Collateral damage could be great if those who are the subject of arrest decide to fight back and these arrest take place in public places like the market. 

Those of you who support the commissioner and his approach would also be contented with any public disaster should it happen from one of these so-called raids.

The actions of the senior police officers are not those of corrupt or power seeking individuals. These are the actions of women and men who care about yours and my safety. 

What would you rather prefer, seeing policemen walking around with guns or policemen who quell disturbances with the traditional Samoan approach of mutual respect and ava fatafata.

I for one firmly believe that the senior police have my interests at heart. AND I have do not know or have any relatives who are senior police officers.

Ma loú faáloalo lava.

 

Vai

Samoa Observer

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