Six steps new top cop can take to secure public confidence
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New top cop Police General Chakthip says his main aim is to restore public confidence and trust in the police. I fully back him in that goal, and suggest the following, based on the recommendations made by a commission led by Police General Vasit Dejkunch
1. Boost police pay and benefits.
2. Publicise key performance indicators (KPIs) for department heads and above that are transparent, measurable and job-related. Just as PM Prayut chose you for your achievements and ignored the fact that you were the least-senior deputy chief, evaluation for promotion should be independent of seniority.
3. KPIs at the station level should be related to community needs and local issues in need of attention.
4. Monitor police performance and community relations through an independent complaints committee.
5. Establish the rule of law throughout the police force, with zero tolerance for corruption and with cops rigorously following the letter and spirit of the law, including Thai Criminal Code S134/4, which requires that suspects must be informed of their right to legal counsel before any interrogation, and that without such notification, any information given cannot be used in court.
6. Extend the rule of law to cover the high and the mighty – for example, the Red Bull heir who allegedly killed one of your brother officers with his Ferrari, yet has faced no court action.
Do the above and you will be at the forefront of all our police chiefs in serving the nation.
Burin Kantabutra
