The Inspector General of Police, IGP, David Asante Apeatu, has revealed that the service will soon establish motorbike patrol units in all regions of the country to facilitate rapid response to crime.
He made the announcement at the launch of one its flagship crime combating programs dubbed “Motorbike Patrols for Neighborhood Safety” to fight crime effectively.
As part of the program, fifty-nine policemen went through training to sharpen their skills in using motorbikes to fight crime.
Speaking at the launch, the IGP charged the personnel to deal ruthlessly with miscreants who terrify innocent citizens.
“[The officers] have been taken through defensive riding and crime combat training to prepare them to respond swiftly and robustly to crime scenes that were hitherto inaccessible to police patrol teams,” he said.
He cautioned criminals who engage in various vices to desist, as the motor patrol team will deal with them.
“Let me sound a word of warning to criminal elements in our society, especially those who are in the habit of using motorbikes to commit crimes. This new squad supported by other operation teams are poised and will not be kind with you. This is the first batch and many more are being screened to beef up. The intention of the police administration is to replicate this squad in all 11 police regions,” David Asante Apeatu added.
The development comes at a time when robbery incidents appear to have risen sharply especially on residential properties in developing areas.
But the Police have assured that they are working assiduously to ensure that citizens are protected.
DCOP George Akufo Dampare, while serving as the Director of Operations for the Ghana Police Service in March 2018, said although his outfit is logistically deficient, they are ready to put their lives on the line to ensure the safety of every Ghanaian.
“We want to give them [citizens] the assurance that we will go every length, including losing our lives to make them safe. We understand that we are not there yet, in terms of the full complement of our equipment. We also understand that over the years, government after government has made an attempt to bring us to a particular level in terms of equipment,” he said.
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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana
