Borneo Post
MIRI, 10 AUGUST 2012 - Enhancing the image of the police in terms of their efficiency can help to deter crime.
Piasau assemblyman Alan Ling said upgrading the efficiency of the police force would help boost the enforcement authority’s image in deterring criminal activities in the city.
“Criminals can be deterred by a professional and efficient enforcement authority like the police, especially in big cities,” said Ling when commenting on the recent remark by Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Acryl Sani Abdullah that it was unfair to label Miri as unsafe just because of an isolated case.
Ling did not agree with the comparison to the situation in the United States where people there could easily gain access to firearms, while guns were strictly controlled here.
“It’s not right to compare Miri or Sarawak with the USA because most people here do not generally own guns for self defence,” said Ling, who then explained the need to enhance the image and morale of the police through better training and better infrastructure.
Ling said the July 30 shooting incident where a businessmen was gunned down at the traffic light junction in Jalan Bendahara here had shocked city folk who were use to the generally peaceful environment, hence creating a negative public perception of the city’s safety.
“I have previously voiced out on the need for the central police station here and other police stations to be upgraded in order to provide better infrastructure and working environment for the police personnel,” he said.
He said he had raised the issue of the ageing police stations in the city at the State Legislative Assembly sitting.
“I’ve visited the central police station here and found leaking roofs, while the station in Lutong and others in the city are too small,” he said.
He called on the government to urgently look into upgrading infrastructure in police stations statewide in tandem with the times so that the police could work more efficiently and combat crimes more effectively.
“A more efficient police force will make criminals think twice about committing crimes, and assure the people of the city’s safety and security,” he added.