IT is heartening to note that the police are pressing the government to quickly introduce body cameras for the force. It augurs well for transparency.

However, cameras alone will not prevent police abuse of power, corruption or misconduct without an independent body to investigate allegations of such.

The Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) must complement this approach for increased accountability and responsibility.

The IPCMC works both ways to either dispel or confirm allegations. It will in the long run help to establish a more professional police service. The police must rise to the occasion and quickly adapt.

It will not do to leave the complaints to an internal police probe as the conclusions will be perceived as biased.

This is even more imperative now after former inspector-general of police Abdul Hamid Bador revealed of cartel involvement in the force and the meddling of politicians in police matters.

New IGP Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani has to be in the forefront in making the police service not only transparent but totally accountable and responsible to the criminal justice system without the involvement of the executive.

Preventive laws will not help to make all police actions to be perceived as fair and firm in tandem with due process within the ambits of the rule of law in the strictest judicial interpretation.

It is undoubtedly a tedious affair to gather admissible evidence from the time investigations commence especially after an arrest takes place. Time then is of essence.

Adhering strictly to procedural law and allowing the criminal justice system to act as a transparent check and balance throughout the initial stage of all investigations, will raise police credibility and ultimately win the hearts and minds of all concerned.

Notwithstanding the fact that evidence procured will be able to withstand the test of veracity and credibility throughout the investigation and prosecution stage.

It will then lead to a conviction that can withstand all the tiers of appeal. This should be the ultimate objective of police work in the basic function of fighting crime and keeping public order.

The means used must become judicially acceptable within the realms of natural justice. The onus is then upon the police to impress upon the legislative branch the need to enhance their tools of criminal investigations specifically in the area of serious crimes involving hard core criminals.

Body cameras undoubtedly will bring added pressure for the men on the ground. The police must take heed to be prepared for public scrutiny. They must go back to basics and ensure their personnel are physically and mentally prepared for this approach.

Unpreparedness and a lackadaisical attitude will do more damage to the image of the men in blue. – May 14, 2021.

* G. Selva reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.