Monday, August 11, 2008

WESTERN POLICE COMMAND SETS UP RAPID DEPLOYMENT FORCE (PAGE 65)

THE Western Regional Police Command has inaugurated its Rapid Deployment Force (RDF), a unit trained to combat crime without the use of weapons.
Formerly known as the Mobile Force Unit, the RDF is composed of 100 trained and fully equipped police officers with expertise to handle difficult situations.
The unit has been trained on how to deal with violent mobs, demonstrators, as well as crowds.
In an address, the Western Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Mohammed Ahmed Alhassan, advised the personnel to respect the fundamental rights of the citizenry in the discharge of their statutory duties, as they would be held accountable for their actions.
“You need to show empathy and always anticipate the results of your action. Nothing more than the effective maintenance of law and order is expected of you. Therefore, you should not see yourself as being above your counterparts in the regular Police Service and the citizens you are to protect,” he said.
He said the unit would become a standby force to be deployed when it became absolutely necessary in order to deal with security threats.
The regional commander re-emphasised that RDF was not a special paramilitary force but one of the units of the Ghana Police Service. He said the deployment of the unit would be based on the principles of necessity and accountability with all their actions aimed at the protection and preservation of human life, property and dignity.
DCOP Alhassan said the unit had been formed at a time when the government was doing everything possible to resource the Police Service.
He urged them to protect life and property and defend the dignity of the Ghana Police Service.
In his remarks, the Western Regional Minister, Mr A. E. Amoah, reminded the officers to be careful in their dealings with other members of the public to avert serious confrontations. “They are our brothers and sisters and you must show them care in your quest to ensure order.”

No comments: