Towards a more people friendly police service

by Dhaneshi Yatawara

"Every peace officer may interpose for the purpose of preventing and shall to the best of his ability prevent the commission of any cognisable offence," states the Code of Criminal Procedure in its 107th Section under 'Preventive Action of Peace Officers'.

Protecting the law and order of the country, the sole duty of a Police Officer, is becoming vital.

"The responsibility of a Police Officer is to protect civilians and make space for people to live freely," Deputy Inspector General (Colombo) Nimal Mediwaka told the 'Sunday Observer' subsequent to assuming duties as the Colombo DIG.

Responding to the question as to why the Sri Lanka Police focused on community policing DIG Mediwaka said that prevention can be better than solving a problem, especially when it comes to violation of law and order in a community.

The community policing focuses on improving the civil society spiritually and materially through proper guidance. "A major problem in society is the younger generation getting addicted to drugs.

The 'Mathata thitha' (stop to alcoholism) in the Mahinda Chintana is another program we hope to implement through Community Policing", Mediwaka said.