POLICE COMMISSIONER ON CRIME AND CORRUPTION

The Police recorded a low crime rate this week, says Acting Police Commissioner Juanita Matanga.

Speaking at her press conference today, the Acting Police Commissioner said police attended to 42 reported cases – where 26 were arrested, and 14 were held in Custody.

The Acting Police Commissioner said the 42 cases involved drunk and disorderly, robbery, family violence, rock throwing and consuming liquor in public places.

“Police has recorded a relatively low crime rate. However, a total number of 42 reported cases were received over the week, and police have attended to these cases, which 26 arrests were made, out of which 14 were remanded in custody for further investigation. The cases attended to by police during the week alcohol, robbery, family violence, rock throwing and consuming alcohol in public places”.

Police also attended to 20 traffic-related cases.

The Acting Police Commissioner said 14 suspects were investigated, and 6 cases were issued with traffic regulation documents.

“Police has received 20 reported cases, related to traffic offences, which involves driving without a license, traffic accidents, failing to display vehicle licenses, driving without a valid driving license, careless driving, vehicle defects such as deflated tyres, lights, brakes and driving under the influence of liquor. Fourteen suspects were investigated, and six were issued with PFF6 documents, which is one of the forms required by law to be issued on minor traffic offences,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Acting Police Commissioner says people with complaints against police officers should report it to strengthen the force and avoid corruption.

Juanita Matanga made the statement today, in response to questions in relation to claims by students that they had to give money to police officers to fast track their police clearance forms.

While she did not deny the claims, the Acting Police Commissioner said working together will avoid corruption within the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force.

She says the RSIPF belongs to the people and the public must report whatever complaints to the police.

“I think it is better for us to discourage corruption. When we talk about corruption, we are the ones encouraging it to happen. If you have evidence that certain officers are not doing a good job, report them to us, because I want us to make this force a better one as it belongs to the people. So therefore, people should also act to help improve the force. If I pay an officer commission, that means I am encouraging corruption. So that’s why when people involved in such activities and raise complaints, they themselves should also be held accountable, because if you are complaining about paying an officer for something, then report that officer to us so that we can deal with them accordingly,” said the Acting Police Commissioner.