The Inspector General of Police has issued a directive to the Crime Investigative Department and all Regional, Divisional, District and Unit Commanders to include a Special Police Officer in motor traffic duties and highway patrol checks.
Dr. George Akuffo Dampare’s directive comes in effect to reports the Police Headquarters has received indicating that “some personnel deployed on motor traffic duties and highway patrol checks have cultivated a habit of planting narcotic substances in the vehicle of individuals and turn out to arrest them on the charges of possession of narcotics.”
In a wireless message issued to the CID and the Commanders, sighted by Angelonline.com.gh, the Director General of Police, Administration expressed disappointment in the officers saying their behaviour is “not only embarrassing to the Police Administration but unprofessional on the part of officers involved in the practice.”
To curb the menace and instil discipline among the officers, the message said the Special Police Officer to be included in the motor traffic duties and the patrol checks shall lead the operation teams and “be held accountable for any such unprofessional conduct.”
The Police Service also cautioned commanders against assigning monetary targets to the duty personnel when they go on their operations.
According to the Director General, special task forces have been set up to interview patrol, MTTD and Highway duties personnel on the activities of the duty officers.
