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  • 9 months ago
In terms of alleged corruption among police officers, bribery finds itself high on the list of offences.


So says Minister in the Ministry of National Security Keith Scotland, who makes a close correlation to that, and the level of public mistrust in the police.


Alicia Boucher tells us more.
Transcript
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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