Ochola cautions CID officers against torturing suspects

 

 

Martin Okoth Ochola said the Police's main duty is to enforce law and order, and ensure fair justice.

 

"We must enforce law and order. We should eradicate abuse and torture of suspects during interrogation, as criminal investigations officers," he said.

 

He made the remarks during the opening of the third retreat of Crime Investigations Department (CID) officers, under the theme: "Enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the CID functions; a collective action" at CID headquarters in Kibuli, Kampala. The five-day retreat will climax on July 5.

 

"After the five days here, and you go back and torture suspects; that will not be allowed," he noted.

 

 

 

Ochola stressed that the strategic direction of the Police comes from the mission, vision and constitution, standing orders and the Police Act, and the police strategic plan which every officer is required to follow.

 

He said the strategic plan is aimed at transforming the Police into a modern, professional, service oriented and pro-people institution.

 

He emphasized the need to observe professionalism by all trained police personnel; through applying the acquired skills, good judgment and with a polite behavior expected from a person who is well trained to carry out police work.

 

Ochola directed that all investigations should be conducted and reported on time, stressing that investigations have a great impact on the lives of individuals and activities of organisations.

 

He added that interviews, evidence connection, and other activities must be initiated, conducted and reported in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations, and should be conducted with due respect of the rights and privacy of those involved.

 

"You must respect the rights of those involved both the suspects, complainants and so on," Ochola noted.

 

 

 

He added that officers must follow guidelines from their supervisors and prosecutors, internal procedures, act with self-control and be tolerant while dealing with members of the public.

 

He said investigators must also act with honesty and integrity to avoid tarnishing the image of the force.

 

Ochola noted that corruption practices like selling police forms and bonds, indiscipline and poor command and management remain a big challenged to the police force.

 

"Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has been putting us on top for human rights abuses. We need to change that. I worked as CID director but I left without records of torture. We must observe human rights in all we do to rebuild the image of the force," he added.

 

He called on all directors and other police officers to restore functional systems and emphasize planning for effective resource management.

 

He urged all police personnel to behave in a manner which does not discredit the force or undermine public confidence, whether on or off duty, to display a positive image of the force.

 

At the same event, Ochola also received four new pick-ups from Justice Law and Order Sector (JLOS) to help in supervision and field work for the directorate.

 

The CID director, Grace Akullo said they are working hard to manage the trend of criminal syndicate in the country.

 

She said 40 other officers were also undergoing training in document analysis.

 

"We have received four picks and we expect other 100 motorcycles to help in our work. We think the challenges facing CID is the management of crime which will be reduced," he added.

 

The police director of research and training; Edward Ochom said the CID is the front image of the force.

 

"We get criticisms if we do not execute our duties diligently. Many people who come on counters come as victims and need your support. We need to be polite to these people and help them accordingly," he added.