THERE are plans to revive civilian crime patrols in Penang. However, it would be prudent to carefully reconsider the participation of members of the public in crime prevention measures.

The fact is that members of the public are neither trained nor equipped to confront criminals, especially when dealing with those who are desperate and dangerous.

The police have always emphasised that the public should be their “eyes and ears” and should think of improving ways for information to be channelled swiftly.

Passive but effective participation must be a two-way road. The actual physical act of patrolling is discouraged and should strictly be left to the police.

The act of stopping a person to make enquiries must be done professionally and within the ambit of the law. Only the police are trained to take appropriate action when a situation moves from detaining a person to actual arrest, pursuit, detention, seizure, calling for back-up, assault including using arms, and so on.

Members of the public cannot and should not be expected to put themselves at risk carrying out these actions.

Mistakes can lead to dire legal consequences for members of the public. The men in blue are protected to a large extent by the law when they act in good faith. Even then, civil suits have become a normal feature whenever there are disgruntled victims.

Members of the public are also not trained in using minimum force. Part of the problem in any police action is using appropriate force when stopping, apprehending and taking a suspect into custody.

The manner in which a suspect is detained and held before handing him over to the authorities must be done professionally. There are serious legal repercussions if this becomes part of expectations for community patrols.

However, a study can be conducted to privatise all forms of patrolling and complement them with provisions for auxiliary powers as stipulated in the Police Act. These units can be held accountable to the state, but must stay under the command and control of the police.

This will ensure a smooth transition from initial basic actions to official investigations. It is worth exploring these unchartered waters to improve modern policing.

Penang was where the first police division was created when the British came. It was done because there was a great need for a regimented uniformed body to enforce the rule of law to battle warlords who controlled the community through secret societies.

The police have achieved their roles and functions as stipulated in the Police Act. To ensure law and order is maintained professionally, their duties and responsibilities should not be usurped. – September 12, 2018.

* 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.