Police officers urged to take interest in road accident investigations
Assistant Commisioner of Police ACP Angwubutoge Awuni, Commanding Officer of the National Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU), has tasked officers to make road accident investigation a major priority to avoid numerous petitions that were directed to the Headquarters for redress.
“I have observed with so much concern the laxity with which some of our accident investigators go about their duties. They either do not visit accident scenes or fail to take appropriate statements from relevant victims or witnesses”, he said.
ACP Awuni was speaking at the maiden meeting of all commanders of the Unit throughout the country in Accra on Tuesday.
He said it was important for officers to communicate directly with victims of road accidents and explain to them the status of cases to help address misunderstandings that erupt due to the absence of direct contact.
“We all know that some cases deserve to be forwarded to the Attorney –General’s Department for advice, there is no reason why victims should not be made aware of this action” he said.
The Commander entreated the officers to caution their subordinates to exercise restrain when dealing with motorists to prevent confrontations that sometimes occurred on the highways.
“Some of our men tend to be so impatient that they end up picking up quarrels or engage in physical confrontation with motorists. This kind of attitude is unacceptable as far as the ethics of the Police Service is concerned. It amounts to misconduct and therefore punishable” he stated.
Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCOP John Kudalor, and Director General of Police Operations, asked the commanders to constantly monitor the conduct of their officers and carefully educate them before they go out to their duties.
“We are much in the public view more than any other unit, you must try to carry yourselves like officers, and being in the police service is a calling so you must be ready to endure the challenges that come with it”, he said.
DCOP Kudalor assured the unit of the provision of vehicles and other logistics by the middle of the year to help in discharging their duties.
Source: GNA