Police Leadership Calls on EACC to Rethink Arrest Tactics for Officers
The senior leadership of the National Police Service (NPS) has raised concerns about the tactics employed by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) during the arrest of police officers. In a recent consultative meeting with the EACC leadership in Nairobi, Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli urged the anti-corruption body to reconsider its approach, emphasizing the need for sensitivity when executing arrests.
Concerns Over Public Humiliation
During the meeting, Masengeli voiced concerns over the public nature of arrests and the potential harm they cause to the officers involved, their families, and the wider community. He argued that the dramatic arrests, often staged in front of the media, can lead to unnecessary humiliation and damage to the officers’ reputations, regardless of their guilt or innocence. The Deputy Inspector General called for a more thoughtful approach that considers the broader societal impact of these high-profile operations.
Rethinking Public Exposure
Masengeli also questioned the EACC’s practice of publicizing the arrests of police officers involved in corruption investigations. He pointed out that such exposure, while intended to signal the commission's commitment to fighting corruption, may often result in irreversible damage to the officers' personal and professional lives. He recommended that the EACC reassess the need for such public revelations, suggesting that they could be better handled in a manner that avoids unnecessary harm while still fulfilling the commission’s mandate.
A Call for Balanced Justice
The Deputy Inspector General stressed the importance of ensuring that the fight against corruption within the police force is pursued without compromising the dignity of the officers. While recognizing the need for accountability and transparency, he suggested that arrest tactics should be adjusted to maintain a balance between justice and respect for the individuals involved. The NPS leadership believes that addressing corruption within the police force is essential, but the process should be carried out in a way that upholds the integrity and dignity of those serving in the force.
As discussions continue, it is clear that the relationship between the police and anti-corruption agencies like the EACC remains complex. Both institutions share a common goal of ensuring integrity within the public service, but the methods used to achieve this aim are increasingly becoming a point of debate. The National Police Service’s call for more measured and considerate approaches in the arrest and public exposure of officers reflects a desire to strike a fairer balance in the fight against corruption.