ASPs directed to ensure cops’ welfare, eliminate corruption

Public Security Minister Rear Admiral (Retd) Sarath Weerasekera says it is the duty of senior police officers to prevent bribe taking of junior rank officers and find solutions for their welfare problems.

Speaking at a meeting of newly promoted ASPs at the Ministry auditorium, Minister Weerasekera said that an ASP was assigned to supervise around three police stations under him or her. “If an OIC in such a station takes bribes, demanding sexual bribes from ranks below them and engages in corrupt deals, the ASP should be able to make use of intelligence units to find evidence against such corrupt elements. If an ASP fails to do, we will have to take action against that ASP. We deploy intelligence unit operatives separately to assess the conduct of OICs. If they find that a particular OIC is corrupt and takes bribes, the ASP above him too should be ready to face the punishment,” the Minister said.

“With your promotions you have to shoulder the responsibility of making the police people-friendly service. While you are keeping an eye on the wrongdoings of OICs under you, you are also bound by the duty to provide for the welfare facilities of the ranks coming below you. I have visited many police stations and most of them do not have proper barracks or sanitary facilities. A policeman working eight hours in traffic duties should be able to bathe and sleep comfortably when he returns to his station. These are the bare necessities. The OICs and ASPs should ensure the policemen’s welfare.”

Secretary to the Ministry Maj Gen (Retd) Jagath Alwis, IGP Chandana Wickramaratne and other senior police officers were also present.