The ‘police muddle’ and related matters

‘Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive’.

The recent appointment of Mr Deshabandu. Tennakoon as Acting IGP, has led to widespread opposition. There are fears that the current crisis, sparked by this appointment has stirred a veritable “hornet’s nest,” in legal circles. The latest being the strong reaction by the Bar Association (BASSL) to this irregular act. Their main concern is that it offends the doctrine of “separation of powers” within a democracy.

The State authorities claim that the appointment is only a temporary move, awaiting the appointment of a permanent IGP, is the most feeble and puerile insult to a dismayed nation. The BASSL points out that failure to carry out the actions determined by the court, could invite penalties for contempt of court.

In the United Kingdom, the judicial system is structured on an autonomous “County system,” where the head of each county police, is designated as the “Chief Constable.” He/She is almost always a civilian, and not a member from the uniformed police service. We too have had IGP’s from outside the Police Force. The results have been mixed.

The UK Police do not carry firearms, except in rare cases where serious resistance or attack, is genuinely feared. Water cannons and tear gas are rarely seen, except in the case of situations where violent confrontations are feared. Here too, these extreme measures are sought only where public order and safety are under very serious threat. The god old wooden baton is deemed sufficient protection. This is in sharp contrast to the formidable, black uniformed zombies with holsters hanging from heavy belts, of the US and several other countries.

Consequently, the uniform of the police (and forces) is respected, and force is rarely required. When measures of last resort, are deployed with excessive frequency and intensity, the results are negative. Restive crowds, when harshly handled, quickly descend to the levels of market-place rowdy brawls.

Incensed and tired crowds in popular protests, are easily provoked by the sight of their professed saviors, mockingly giving ‘voice-cuts’ with God-given, tinsel pomposity. The result most often is frightening. One observes with alarm, provocative violence (from both sides). The rare use of force, only when all else fails, compels due respect for the uniform. It is not by accident that one rarely hears of “the Police Force”, the preferred alternative being the “Police Service”. This is not merely symbolic.

It is worthy of mention, that when the death sentence was abolished in the UK, it was retained for murder of members of the monarchy, clergy, defence forces, rapists, spies and traitors.

The good old “Bobby or Cop” is content to be armed with a wooden baton and whistle. He reflects decency, discipline, good humour and a genuine desire to help. He is commonly the first resort for the lost traveler, or a late walker home from the local pub, in a mildly, but jolly under the influence state. The interested reader may care to refer to the inimitable sketch of Andy Capp in the Island. Most minor traffic offences are overlooked, but speeding and other incidents of potential danger to other users of the roads inviting trouble.

Unfortunately, in our country, the poorly-disciplined political stooge has been the spoilt apple in the basket, to foul up the repute of his worthy colleagues. Many of them are true and top sportsmen who deserve our affection and utmost respect.

Most countries which we are enjoined to imitate, are magically able to blend authority with decency and understanding. We need to be sympathetic towards our police, who have to tolerate indefensible intrusions by perhaps their Godfathers. Further, their service brings them into direct contact with the dregs of society, some of them being in tow with drug dealers, hired murderers, brothel managers and other lawbreakers, who will not timidly confess their guilt over a friendly cup of tea but may need stronger methods to compel them to disgorge their evils.

But certainly this is no excuse for torture by inverted hanging, chilli powder head-dresses, or the novel “Siddhalepa treatment”. The sanctity of their vocation should not allow tolerance of influences, suggestive of differential treatment such as detainees faking sudden illnesses requiring admission to prison hospital or provided with other special luxuries.

In this respect, the courage and principle, displayed by ex-Army commander, FM Sarath. Fonseka, deserves applause. He, we are told, boldly donned regulation Prisoner kit (of “Jungi- shorts,) had his meals out of regulation tin plates, which we are told, he sometimes shared wilt the notorious Mafia criminal, “Makandure Madush’. Of such sterling qualities are true leaders made.

Dr. Upatissa. Pethiyagoda.