When protectors commit crime

It did not surprise us when, after the police headquarters (HQ) launched an online complaint cell for people to report about police misconduct and offences, it started to receive a barrage of allegations from day one. 

We appreciate the fact that the police HQ tried to pave the way—no matter how narrow that is—to curb police misconduct. However, it is a matter of regret that barely any concrete steps have been taken against the personnel who have committed serious crimes. 

A high-ranking police officer claimed that the police HQ took "stern" departmental actions against any policemen, if found guilty. His definition of "stern actions," however, is limited to withdrawals or transfers. Precedents of suspension, demotion and termination are very rare. Even if one gets fired, he could be reinstated very easily. How can the police HQ expect to deter police offences when the offenders know that they will ultimately get away with them even if they get caught? 

Extortion, abduction and torture are outright criminal acts. If a private citizen commits such crimes, he would be jailed. If police personnel, who are responsible for public safety, commit the crimes that they are supposed to prevent, then the punishment should be stricter.

High-ranking officers cannot escape their part of the blame, either. Many low-tier police personnel have claimed that one of the reasons they get involved in criminal activities is to "appease" their superior officers, and had paid a huge amount of money to get their job. 

If the police headquarters genuinely want to prevent police offences, it must take action against offenders—both high and low ranking personnel—so strictly that it sends a message to others. Otherwise, public trust in the police will continue to erode.