Investigate cases before arrests, directs IGP Kayihura
IGP, Gen Kale Kayihura
KIBUKU. The Inspector General of Police, Gen Kale Kayihura, has issued a directive to all police commanders to stop arrest of suspects before investigations in a case are concluded.
“Arrests should be the last resort principal method of prevention. Therefore investigate cases before making arrests or else you may cause conflict with the community,” Gen Kayihura said during the commissioning of Kirika Police Station about 3km off the Mbale-Tirinyi highway.
The one-acre piece of land on which the police station in Kibuku was built was donated by Mr Absolomu Luzige’s family after cases of murder in the area increased.
“There has been a case where officers make unnecessary arrests without substantial evidence. This should stop with immediate effect. Police have to change from traditional to community neighborhood watch strategy.”
Gen Kayihura explained that the neighborhood method is more modern compared to the previous traditional policing because this involves a number of people investigating and then make arrest after compiling enough evidence to adduce before court. “Why do you rush to arrest? The principle here is stop crime. So we [Police] must adapt to preventive rather than being reactive and that is the principle and the second is to partner with the community in fighting crimes,” Mr Kayihura said.
The IGP emphasised that traditional policing only addresses symptoms whereas community policing ideally tackles the root causes of crime.
