IT is heartening to note that the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) will soon be implemented in line with the findings of the Royal Commission to Enhance the Operation and Management of the Royal Malaysian Police that was completed in 2005 – 13 years overdue, but better late than never.

The police’s top echelons are finally on board. However, their concern for their rights in the setting up of the IPCMC is premature and akin to fitting a square peg in a round hole.

The whole purpose of the IPCMC is to ensure that rights on all sides will be the focus. The difference now is that the facts of a complaint will be scrutinised transparently by an independent body.

Hopefully, the police are prepared for the new challenges in the days ahead. All their internal efforts to weed out the corrupt and become more efficient in adhering to their roles and functions as enshrined in the Police Act will be put to the test.

They should be well prepared, as they have been put on notice since 2005.

The degree of how much has been accomplished internally will be what it needs when putting forward a comprehensive argument to balance police morale with the challenges of being held accountable by the IPCMC.

I would presume their think-tanks would have all the facts ready for the table when asked for expected feedback. And it is not as simple as merely stating their concern for police rights.

Facts and figures to support their submissions must be tailored towards preserving and enhancing all the tools of an investigation.

They must focus on critical criminal and public order situations that require a mix of discretion and valour. This, coupled with how a hunch, gut feeling or conduct are protected by not only supervising officers but also by the IPCMC. 

A split-second decision can be taken confidently if there is trust that their actions will be protected. Failing which, police officers will become more cautious and less pro-active in the overall war against crime, especially when lives are at risk and where time is of the essence. 

The men in blue must always trust that the use of minimum force can be raised in certain serious situations. A delay at times can be a fatal decision for officers and members of the public, including suspects and victims.

The setting up of the IPCMC will be succesful only if it proves that not can not only hold the police accountable for any complaints but that it can also raise the morale of serving police personnel for actions taken in good faith.

If the approach by the IPCMC is to take a pound of flesh for every trivial misdeed, then it will inadvertently be counterproductive and demoralising to all concerned.

The intricacies of this balance must be brought to the discussion table early. It will help to ensure that all those involved will understand the police’s actions in the pursuit of gathering admissible evidence. 

Justice must be done not only to those arrested and detained but also to the victims of crime and public disorder.

A police service that fears procedural consequences will be unable to serve society well. Our men in blue must evolve to respect the need for responsibility and accountability. 

I presume everyone is ready. – September 24, 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.