TIB report merits cognisance

It goes without saying that law enforcement agencies are an integral part of any modern state and an indispensable element of good governance. Thus its proper functioning, unfettered by politicisation or corruption, is crucial, since that defines the condition of the state as regards the level of individual and collective security, and of freedom as enshrined in the constitution, which consequently engenders public confidence in the state apparatus.

We would like our law enforcement agencies to be up to international standards. But unfortunately, corruption in this sector stands in the way of that goal. The latest TIB report indicates that these agencies are the most affected by it. Such depletion in basic ethics among protectors of law makes it difficult to curb crime and bring perpetrators to justice.

The ultimate goal should be to develop a law enforcement system in which people have trust, one that is truly a protector of the public and their rights as citizens of this country. We, therefore, urge the government not to dismiss the findings of TIB as baseless or biased; rather it should use the data and conclusions of the report to take remedial measures. Research studies like this are meant to be used for learning and inducing corrective measures that will ultimately make governance efficient and effective. TIB has been publishing their findings in this regard for many years and if corrective measures had been adopted from the very beginning the situation might have been much better than it is now.