Proper training, latest techniques must for policemen

Ishara JAYAWARDANE

Police officers should be well trained and well versed in latest investigation techniques if they are to be successful, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said yesterday.

“Officers have to question suspects skilfully and obtain as much information as they can. They must be familiar with the latest hi-tech investigative tools and methods. They should use these tools to gather enough evidence and collaborative evidence to build effective cases,” Rajapaksa said.

Addressing a regional workshop for Police Officers and Prosecutors in South Asia on Effectively countering Terrorism, Defence Secretary Rajapaksa said he is aware of practical problems faced by police officers in bringing terrorists to justice, and prosecutors and legal authorities need to understand these difficulties because terrorism cases are not like ordinary criminal cases.

“Terrorist groups are extremely well organized and terrorist cadres are very well trained and they plan their attack meticulously, taking great care to cover their tracks,” he said.

Rajapaksa said that with the LTTE’s defeat, the police and the prosecution services have even a greater responsibility.

The Defence Secretary said it is their [the police and prosecution] task to investigate and interrogate those detained in relation to terrorist activities as well as the surrenders. Investigating these people is essential to determine the extent of their involvement in Terrorist activities, he said.

Rajapaksa said the police must work closely with the prosecuting agency and the Attorney General’s Department.