The traffic police unit last week, announced that, a new independent department set up to investigate public complaints of harassment by traffic police officers, was recording about five cases a week.

The creation of this department is a very commendable step. It sets standards for the way the police handle complaints and, when something has gone wrong, it helps the police learn lessons and improve the way the institution works.

By complaining, even about minor matters such as rudeness, you give senior officers the opportunity to pass on a message about what is acceptable and professional.

You also give those officers a message about what the community regards as acceptable from the force they manage.

And if what has happened to you is really serious, you may help to get rid of a thug or a criminal, who should be behind bars rather than in police uniform.

The whole idea of complaining may be stressful, prolonging an ordeal that you would rather forget, but it is worth it, since you may be preventing it from happening to someone else

It is through careful examination of the causes for complaints made by members of the public that will facilitate corrective adjustments to police procedures and practices.

The police should now publicize how this department can be accessed and how the public can forward their complaints.

Once this new department, investigates the complaints with sensitivity to citizens’ concerns and in an efficient and timely fashion, there is no doubt that the public’s confidence in the police system will be guaranteed.

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