KUALA LUMPUR: Following the increase in integrity issues involving members of the police force Malaysian Retired Senior Police Officers Association (RESPA) has suggested that the police force's training module be revised.
RESPA president Datuk Meor Che Hussein said the training module for new recruits of officers and policemen should be improved by giving more emphasis on strengthening mental and spiritual aspects including discipline and integrity.
He said, the formation of a good character should be in line with a good physical level in producing officers and policemen with integrity and dedication.
He said good character formation in the policing profession was important to ensure that policemen are not easily misled and tempted by offers of bribery, when they start work later.
"Looking at a case of misconduct involving two policemen who were involved in robbery and rape cases recently, one of them has only been on duty for six months... this shows that something is not right (during training).
"Perhaps there is a deficiency in the training module, it does not instill love for the team, commitment and responsibility to the job, the team and the country," he told Berita Harian.
He was commenting on the increase in cases of misconduct involving police officers and members across the country in recent weeks, including the case of two police officers from the Patrol Car Unit (MPV), Ampang Jaya who were suspected of robbing an 18-year-old local man and raping a 17-year-old Uzbek student early last month.
Last Monday, five policemen including a Deputy Superintendent (DSP) were arrested by Bukit Aman's Integrity and Standard Compliance Department (JIPS) with a total of 5.2 liters of liquid suspected to be ketum water in Melaka.
"Along with the changing times, the training module also needs to be improved and the screening during the recruitment of new officers and members needs to be tightened.
"There may be a need for the police to conduct a professional psychological health screening with the help of the Health Ministryon all new recruits to ensure whether they are really qualified," he said.
Meor said the police also needed to strengthen its supervision system at all levels to ensure that a bad work 'culture' does not continue to take root in the team regardless of whether it involves senior or junior members.
"The supervision and monitoring by supervisors of officers and subordinates while they are carrying out their duties is very important. In addition, the police must obtain feedback from the public or the surrounding community where the officers and members carry out their duties for their responses and views.
"here is no point in asking the member or officer involved, instead the supervisor needs to speak to the person who made the complaint.
"Officers and policemen need to control their egos when they are hold power, if that ego fails to be controlled, then it encourages them to commit misconduct and misuse of power.
"Discipline and integrity are fundamental in carrying out duties at all levels. If superior officers fail to display these two fundamental values, then it will have an impact on officers and subordinates," he added.