DETs to check rising crime

by Ranil Wijayapala

Ten Divisional Enforcement Teams (DETs) with the backing of the Special Task Force are now operating to check the crime wave due to notorious criminals, gangsters, robbers and drug dealers, Senior DIG Western Province, Pujith Jayasundara told the Sunday Observer.

He said the DETs are now operating in 11 DIG Police Divisions in the Western Province while STF personnel are on standby in different locations to support these teams in an emergency, the DIG said.

They will be assisted by the Police Divisions in the Western Province after visiting the scene of the crime soon after they are reported to them by the Police Divisions. An updated list of wanted criminals, gangsters and drug dealers has been compiled with the assistance of state intelligence agencies to make the arrests.

Moreover, snap road blocks will also be enforced at short notice in 102 police stations in the province.

“The OICs of the police stations will be responsible for these road blocks and check people and the vehicle passing the checkpoint at least for a minimum of two hours or a maximum of three hours and look for suspicious characters, dangerous persons and drug dealers”, he added.

They will be tasked to send their feedback about the roadblock and the number of men and vehicle arrested along with their remarks to Police Emergency. A special team will peruse the 102 reports.

An ASP, SSP or the DIG in charge of that particular Division will be tasked for random physical checks at these roadblocks to ascertain whether they are operating properly and will be asked to send their reports through the DIG Divisions.