| Iswar Rampersad, Commissioner of Police, asks for a greater effort | | | | Modifier la taille du texte: | A | | | A | | |
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| | Vinesen Abel | 13/02/2010 | | | | Is Mauritius safe ?
Of course, it is. Most tourists who come to Mauritius would also say that our island is a safe place.
Yet that is not the way people feel. What about the recent murder in the north of the island, the series of larcenies and the attacks on tourists? Don’t they contradict what you are saying?
I don’t think so. Unfortunately, criminality exists everywhere in the world, even in the most developed countries. The police is sparing no efforts to control this situation. Since I have taken over the office of the Commissioner of Police, I have given instructions that more police patrols should be carried out throughout the island night and day on a frequent basis. I could say that I am more or less satisfied with the results. The crime detection rate, which was at 20%, has reached 70%. My aim is to reach a crime detection rate of 85%. I believe that this target could be achieved with some additional efforts by the members of the Criminal Investigation Division.
What precautions should people take?
I believe that the goal of a crime-free island can only be reached if the public and the police work in partnership. Everyone should take basic safety precautions in order to avoid any nasty surprises. The instructions are the same all over the world. Never venture into risky areas, lock your doors and windows when you go to bed or leave the house. These are simple precautions that people can take to protect themselves. The police is not omnipresent. It cannot protect everyone, which is why we ask people to be more responsible.
Are you satisfied with the performance of the police in the field?
I’m conscious that there is a lack of manpower, I am however satisfi ed that they are doing their best. The figures speak for themselves regarding the cases of crime detection. The aim is to detect any major crime within 48 hours after it has been committed.
The results of the promotion exams for the grade of sergeant have not been made public. And those who have passed the exams for the grade of inspector have not been promoted yet. Are you aware that this is a cause of frustration in the police force?
Yes and I fully understand this feeling. As a disciplinary force they are working for the good of the country. I have also reassured those police offi cers that everything is being done to ensure that the promotion exercise is carried out as soon as possible. There’s a chance that the results will be published before the celebration of the anniversary of our independence. I will also see to it that the Police Training School is available for conducting the promotion courses.
Vinesen Abel
(l’express Weekly – Friday 12 February)
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| PLOUM PLOUM - re: SUPPORTING THE CP- A MUST | | | On further thoughts, I must put on record my assessment of the CP as a person, who since appointed, has brought a ray of hope that the Police can be reformed, can be modernised and become more effective,resulting in a safer and more pleasant island to live in. It is not without due regard to recognise that under your tenure ship, still young as it is, abuse by Police Officers in regard to people in custody has markedly reduced ( NOT ELIMINATED!) compared to the era of the late Inspector Raddhoa. However the much needed reforms, is a MULTI-AGENCY TASK. It cannot, and should NOT be undertaken by ANY single AGENCY or INDIVIDUAL. Any such attempt will only be futile and a waste of opportunity. It is clear from the comments we have seen that the Public is more than willing to support you and your force provided you are prepared to throw yourself into the arena and demonstrate leadership, visionary approach in combating crimes despite meagre resources. I, for one, know that you do have these qualities but somehow they are dormant at the moment. As for myself, I am not without some expertise in the domain of combating crimes. I stand ready to throw my weight and trust me, I DO NOT BELONG TO ANY POLITICAL PARTY ( A QUITE EASILY VERIFIABLE FACT!!!). PLOUM PLOUM | | | sunil | | | REPONSE a Jean Marie RICHARD:
Si t'avais fermé ta grande bouche et si t'avais laissé LA POLICE executer le COURT EVACUATION ORDER en paix, t'aurais pas eu cette raclée!!! Fais gaffe la prochaine fois... | | | PLOUM PLOUM- Re: LIVING IN DENIALS | | | DEFENDING THE INDEFENCIBLE- Mons Le Commissaire, you had the chance to win our mind over but you choose to shoot yourself in the foot by this pathetic display of DENIALS. Surely you cannot expect but contempt from the population. As an example: I used to live in the Capital until a few years ago in our modest Colonial type timber house with front glass veranda. Neither my Mother nor I , used to lock our bedrooms doors at night.( gros laporte dibois avec ene metal bar) . Never did we have any fear of being burgled , attacked or rape or killed. Fancy me doing the same now? Over my dead body!!! Mr CP . you could have told us about your ideas and plans to modernise the Police force or about your Crime reduction strategies. Allow me to put some ideas and areas for you to think about: 1. Rid yourself of these far too many Bad eggs in your force. Every organisation has got them, but you seem to be blessed with far too many of them, such as Drunken Officers on duty, Dummies in action in front of Maisons des Jeux, which was video-taped. Promote /increase Evidence based investigations rather than Confessions driven solving of crimes. Go for Deterrence instead of quick detection strategies. What is the use to , say the Jhowry family , that you have arrested in record time his alleged killers. He is still DEAD!
Improve Police intelligence within the Criminals fraternity. Above all Mr CP, campaign for an INTERIOR MINISTER to lead the Police instead of the current very politicised system where every single decision is tied up with the PM or the so-called High Powered committee. A " Home Secretary" like in the UK, will lead a more effective Police Force because he will be free from the onerous duties of running the country like the PM has to do. A Home Secretary leading you will have more time for you. You can aim to work according to a clear and properly with measurable KPI's.
defined 5 year strategic plan.
Put an end to this rotten practice, of while a Police investigation is still ongoing, your own dept give vital informations/ interviews to the Press and Private radios, which is fodder for the criminals still at large or to their Lawyers to prepare their Clients during investigations. Your own Force destroy the element of surprise , so essential in Police investigations. For sure you can rely on me provided that I am nor murdered or attacked while I am at prayers! | | | sunil | | | it seems like a conference-bilan/
ssr ti dir : eski ou kapav arette lindistri coquin ou ?/
anyway, well done or badly done, news is in the air that mr jokhoo is the next cp/ good luck beta | | | Dr David Lingiah,psychologist,UK | | | It is good that we are all following closely the work of the Police Force. We all know there are problems;let's assist him in all possible ways to create a better,safer environment. I agree with everything that has been written by others already. I am watching too like many others from overseas. | | | Mike | | | You are so funny when u say that the public should work with the police... Do you mean with the same police that often beats up innocent people? the one that deliberately and regularly screw facts in drug cases? the same that does not ensure as it should, the security of the poor citizens of Mauritius? If you can't see the truth , then how would the others? | | | joe | | | ok sure you cannot have a perfect 0 % crime rate but at least increase the penalty & make it more tougher for the criminals. I returned to Mauritius after 37 yrs 2 years ago i must say i like it there: beautiful island, some people are friendly, some are not the type i expectedthey have this false upper class look etc... if the law is soft the crime will increase & tourists are getting the message even here in Australia that they are not that safe anymore like it was 2 years ago... its about time my commissioner that you protect the tourists or tourism will decrease in due time i guarantee you that, or they will go elsewhere where it is cheaper and safer much much closer to home . | | | Jincy Dolo | | | Mr commissioner. I agree that you have the will to do justice in most cases. But there are some instances , as we say here ..ou la main amba roche....
You know it, when politicians come into the scene sometimes there is little you can do. They are your boss and you can be fired. We do not have far to go, please explain Paupiah's departure to us... Caterino...another one.Mauritius per capita is the most drug user in the world..where is all the drug profit money going,which pocket are the money linings? Is the money used to run election campaign? | | | democrat | | | We did not expect the commissioner of police to recognize that there is a general break-down of law and order in the country, but his attempt to paint a rosy picture of the law-and-order situation is an ostrich-like policy that does not serve him well. He talks about the crime detection rate going up, but crime prevention is a major problem in Mauritius. Any social scientist (sociologist, criminologist or psychologist) will tell you that there is plenty of empirical evidence to prove that the crime rate has gone up in the country over the past five years. It is sufficient to read the daily press to know the extent of criminality in Mauritius, not to mention the high frequency of rape, theft and robbery, house break-ins, armed attacks on tourists and passers-by. The commissioner’s platitudes about tourists flocking to our island being a sign of confidence in the country’s security are just appalling. All over the island people are living in fear of being attacked or robbed anytime and they are protecting themselves inside gated communities, in houses hooked up to an alarm security system or behind high walls elevated with barbed wire. When a sniper can kill somebody at his place within close distance and get away uncaught, while his accomplices can leave the country freely, can we have faith in the ability of the police force to track down criminals and bring them to justice. When drug dealers who import and sell drugs can escape conviction by the court because of procedural errors in the inquiry or the prosecution, can we say that the police is acting with skills, proper intelligence and due diligence. Soon we will see families hiring armed security guards to protect their houses, a common happening in all the banana republics. | | | TonyBoy | | | "Are you satisfied with the performance of the police in the field?
....I am however satisfied that they are doing their best."
Ou koner missier commissaire, those who are failing are also doing their best. C'est ene aveu de mediocrité ki ou p faire la !! | | | MBCTV | | | Further,the post of Commissioner of Police may be a constitutional one,but it does not exclude the fact that the current incumbent is not accountable to the tax payers who pay his salary.It is a pity that no Select Committee exists in Parliament to question and cross question Mr Rampersad about his performance as a police officer,with regards to the level of violence,currently raging Mauritius,increasingly so.The Commissioner should feel free to express his criticism with regards to people,including ministers and politicians,obstructing the work of the police force.Opposition parties must continue their questioning of Ramgoolam who is responsible for the maintenance of law and order in the country.The citizens of Mauritius expect to feel secure at anytime,wherever they are.Mauritius cannot be held to ransom,by rapists,drug traffickers,money launderers or any other criminal....That's plenty for the Commissioner not only to ponder about,but to act upon immediately.Let's hope that his daily tasks do not need the daily approval of the Prince.If that was the case,then the public will be justified to view this possibility,as a dereliction of duty.Commissioner of Police in general must not work the last months of their career,as a holiday prior to retirement. | | | Rudolph J | | | The Police Force on the Island of Mauritius is under great scrutiny and not without cause. It has become a very subservient personal force of the Prime Minister, it comprises largely of members of one section of the population. Some police officers are also regularly involved in "brutalité". Ramlogun is but one example It has allowed itself to become political tool and we got the evidence at the by-election of XAVIER in No.20 at the recent one in No 8. Its incapacity is responsible, partly sure, of the social unrest on the Island, as as well as the insecurity and violence prevailing in the country. And there is no real Political will to attend to this matter. Truly, no one will give any credibility to what Mr. Mr Rampersad says. ....the Mauritius Police Force needs a major overhaul reform, but Navin Ramgoolam won't do anything... | | | Baltazar | | | Yes Mr. The Commissioner ! The public must collaborate with the police to help drug smugglers, murderers, criminals escape Mauritian justice. What does the public expect as reward from you people of the police force?. | | | zapata | | | Mr Iswar, mo croire ou pé révé papi avec tous ça touriste ki pé fer zot aggressé dans L'ile, ou gagne toupet vinn raconte bann conneries coumça. Outi bisin expliké couma paupiah inn kitt Maurice finn aller ça ti pou plis bon pou la Police .Ni ou ni ou pm pena aucaine volonté pou mette propre ça pays la alors arrette causer, sa pays la pe all vers destruction . | | | carina | | | neanmoins jai vu que ces dernières années le taux de criminalité a beaucoup augmenté a maurice par apport a d'autre pays vu que c est un petite ile... ca devient un cauchemar les touristes viennent parce qu'ils lisent pas les journaux quotidiennement mais pour les policiers ca reste un mystere. | | | Jean Marie F RICHARD | | | Rampersad's inyterview triggers Byrons famous quote " if I laugh at any mortal thing it's that I may not weep"...What credibility not to say authority this individual (paid by our tax money!!!!) and his musafeer's alike foster is only distrust. When senior police officers are caught red handed lying to cover up vicious brutality against citizens they are supposed to assist in law enforcement - When Police harassment is systematically deployed because a formal complaint for brutality is filed against a chief inspector...When his superior does not even respect court procedures by issuing a press communique accordingly based on lies without awaiting for the court to decide and this is the type of institution Rampersad asks the public to cooperate with... A bad joke is what guys like him are... | | | MBCTV | | | Let's hope that the Commissioner of Police is not under instruction,to publish the Grades' exam results,timed especially for politico/election purposes!
Policing is no easy job.However one must note that some of the crimes of the last few months have been carried out by let's say people who do not give a damn about the law and who acts with impunity.They are related to drug trafficking,
prostitution,etc.Habitual and known criminals,as the police jargon will suggests.So most of these criminals feel free to act when they so wish.Hence most of these crimes are preventable,if these criminals were apprehended in the first place and they were made to feel that they are being watched by the police on a PERMANENT basis 24/7.Only then that the Mauritian population and tourists will feel that Mauritius is a safe place.Statistics alone does not sustain the feeling in real terms of feeling safe. | |
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