00:00Minister in the Ministry of National Security, Kate Scotland, notes concerns over the years
00:05about alleged police corruption.
00:07And while the minister outlines that TNT is not the only country with this problem, he
00:11acknowledges that such incidents have caused an erosion of public trust in the TTPS.
00:17One of the most common forms of police corruption is bribery, where officers accept money for
00:24favors in exchange for overlooking illegal activities or providing special treatment.
00:32This could involve letting criminals go free, turning a blind eye to illegal businesses,
00:39or avoid writing reports about specific incidents.
00:43Minister Scotland also mentions what he claims is a belief by some people in the country
00:48of a shortfall in oversight and an accountability gap in the police service.
00:54This can make it difficult to root out corruptions, as officers may fear retaliation from their
01:00colleagues, or may feel that if they report unethical behaviors to their superiors, it
01:10will go unchecked.
01:13This has led to public mistrust and to alienation, with many citizens feeling that the system
01:22is not serving their best interests.
01:25Scotland says this can even lead to people opting not to report crime or cooperate with
01:30police.
01:31And while the minister indicates that there are mechanisms in place which seek to treat
01:35with some of these problems, such as the Police Complaints Authority, he is making an admission.
01:41However, the challenge remains ongoing and the need for transparency, training and community
01:48engagement is vital to the rebuilding of trust in the police service.
01:54I have no doubt that the majority of police officers are law-abiding persons who take
02:01their oath seriously and do the bidding of their oaths and their superiors.
02:08However, it will only take one bad apple and everyone will be painted with that brush.
02:16The minister is reminding police officers of their commitment to be professional and
02:20serve with integrity, calling it the cornerstone of the TTPS.
02:25You are the face of the law.
02:27You are the face of order.
02:30It is imperative that every day you work with unwavering dedication, both to your duty and
02:39the community.
02:40More than that, Minister Scotland refers to the police as quote-unquote, partners in building
02:46a stronger and safer society.
02:48The minister was speaking at the reopening of the Braso Seco Police Station.
02:52Alicia Boucher, TV6 News.
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