By Zuleikha Salim
The police are meant to protect and serve the public, keeping everyone safe and secure.
However, in recent years, there has been a worrying rise in crimes allegedly committed by some police officers.
These include abuse of power, corruption, violence, and extortion. Such incidents have caused serious concern and weakened the public’s trust in law enforcement officers.
Recent statistics paint a grim picture of increasing police misconduct. Reports highlight cases where officers have been implicated in serious crimes, including robbery, sexual assault, and even extrajudicial killings.
For instance, in October 2023, two police officers, Raphael Nzioka and Nancy Kerubo were arrested for extorting Sh100,000 from a local businessman after they confiscated mobile phones worth Sh300,000 without any valid reason.
The officers had reportedly demanded for the bribe to return the seized goods, prompting the businessman to report them to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). The officers were caught during a sting operation.
Several factors contribute to the rise in police misconduct, including weak recruitment practices and insufficient training.
Police units have been fingered for failing to screen recruits effectively, allowing individuals who may not be suited for the profession to join.
Inadequate training further exacerbates this problem, leaving officers ill-prepared to handle the pressures of their roles responsibly.
Culturally, a deeply ingrained sense of impunity among some officers exacerbates the problem. In many cases, officers believe they are above the law, shielded by their badge and the solidarity of their peers.
Economic pressures caused by low wages, also push some officers towards corruption and criminal behavior as a means of supplementing their income.
The repercussions of crimes perpetrated by police are far-reaching. First and foremost, these actions undermine public confidence in law enforcement.
When citizens lose trust in the police, they may hesitate to report crimes or cooperate in investigations, ultimately jeopardizing public safety.
Victims of police crimes suffer immensely, both physically and emotionally, as they often face intimidation when seeking justice.
Additionally, such incidents strain relationships between communities and law enforcement officers, particularly in marginalized areas where tensions may already be high.
Addressing the issue of police misconduct requires a comprehensive approach. The first step is to reform police recruitment processes, ensuring that only individuals with strong integrity and a commitment to public service are settled on.
Mandatory and comprehensive training programs should be implemented focusing on ethics, community engagement and techniques for de-escalating tense situations.
Additionally, creating independent oversight bodies is essential to investigate allegations of police misconduct.
These bodies should be transparent and separate from police departments to maintain public trust and ensure impartiality in their findings.
The use of technology, such as body cameras, can further improve accountability by providing clear, unbiased records of police interactions.
Finally, it’s crucial for police officers to actively engage with the communities they serve. Rebuilding trust can be achieved through town hall meetings, public forums, and outreach programs, which foster mutual understanding and collaboration between law enforcement and the public.
The rising cases of crimes perpetrated by police are a sobering reminder of the need for systemic reforms in law enforcement.
While the majority of officers continue to serve with honor and dedication, it is imperative to address the actions of the few who tarnish the reputation of the entire institution.
Only through accountability, transparency and community collaboration can we restore faith in the police and ensure justice for all.
