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| Sunday, 26 January 2003 |
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Managing and curbing crime : More people-friendly police force by Vimukthi Fernando Ever considered what a small camera you could buy from the pavement for Rs. 900 could do when it comes to a crime scene? "A lot" says Senior DIG, Chandra Fernando. Just one photograph from such a camera is enough "to FREEZE the scene of a crime." This is part of the new techniques and tools the Police is equipped with, in managing crime. In one of the latest attempts to create a more citizen friendly and victim friendly Police Force, 30 senior police officers, SSPs, SPs and ASPs from various parts of the island renewed their pledge to combat crime and increased awareness on "Human Rights and Crime Scene Management" at a 3 day workshop organised by the Centre for the Study of Human Rights (CSHR) of the University of Colombo, last week. First in a series of 20 awareness programmes aimed at improving the quality of the Police Force in Sri Lanka, the workshop enhanced their knowledge in human rights and the responsibility of Senior Police officers, harassment in custody, decision making and prioritisation, fundamental rights and crime investigation. Problems arising in relation to human rights, children's and women's rights, crime abatement, crime investigation, finger printing, DNA testing and many other related topics were also discussed. "In the present context, this is a subject of utmost importance" says Prof. Ravindra Fernando, Director CSHR who initiated the programme. "These 30 officers will work as the change agents." According to police records 44,360 grave crimes were committed, and 1,179 homicides reported during the period January to November 2002. In 2001, the recorded number of grave crimes and homicides were 46,568 and 1,580 respectively. The downward trend in the incidence of reported grave crimes since 1999, is encouraging. 2001 recorded an 18% decrease of grave crimes from that of 1999. However, "The crime scene in Sri Lanka is fluctuating," explains DIG Fernando. "There is no drastic increase in crime. But, the worrying situation is the violence employed in crimes is on the increase. The modes have changed, causing a fear psychosis in the masses. Earlier we heard of knives, but now, the use of small arms and grenades is prevalent." Nevertheless, one obstacle looming large is the attitude of both the general public and the Police. Whereas the general public views the Police with a hint of fear and animosity, in extreme contrast to that of their role as 'protectors' of the community Police officers usually show themselves off as 'tough guys' who are authoritative and callous. Their view of the public is that of perpetrators, who would not comply with the truth unless they are given a 'good beating'! Notwithstanding the frequency of the occurrence, it is at their own risk with many a violation of human rights. And now, they are of the opinion that the 'human rights charter and the fundamental rights act tie the hands of the Police officers'! That is what prompted training in scientific crime investigation methods. "The time has come to open our eyes on crime investigation" agrees ASP, Priyantha Jayakody from Kelaniya, a participant in the 3 day workshop. "When you learn the right way and conduct investigations systematically, there is no cause for violations." However, there are practical problems and difficulties the Police force in Sri Lanka faces. For example, the armed gangs, are equipped with modern technology such as cellular phones and vehicles ! "There are some shortcomings in the law as well, especially when it comes to armed gangs who are involved in chain robberies and the like. Not only so, adds Nirosha Kannangara and Sumudu Nilaweera, Coordinators of the programme. A series of studies on human rights violations and crime scene management had revealed that deficiencies in recruitment, politicisation, influences of external forces, shortcomings in legal proceedings, lack of staff, inadequate facilities and knowledge on procedures are some of the problems fostering human rights violations within the rank and file of the Police force. CSHR, established in 1991 in its endeavour to make a significant contribution to the creation of a human rights culture in Sri Lanka, had also seen the need for a change in the systems in the Police force. The Centre also conducts awareness programmes on different aspects of human rights, at the regional and national levels. The panel of lecturers of the programme held from 21 to 23 January, 2003 included DIG Gunasena Thenabadu, Director Police Higher Training, Senior DIG Chandra Fernando, Director Police Research Unit, DIG C. L. Ratnayake, Consultant, Palitha Fernando, Solicitor General, W. S. G. Gunathilake, Government Analyst and Prof. George Cooray of the University of Colombo and lead by Prof. Ravindra Fernando. The Police Training Division has developed a low cost crime scene management kit, a 'must' in any police post. The kit includes all the basic scientific equipment necessary for crime investigation, from the tape cordoning off a crime scene to axes, levers and saws. This is the fruition of the efforts of an enthusiastic Sub Inspector, said DIG Chandra Fernando. "All the equipment could be purchased locally and the cost is about Rs. 8,500." Isn't that a good lead to follow? |
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