Clement Alles - a Police officer of fine character

Text and picture by Ishara Jayawardane

During ancient days we called them knights. Chivalrous and brave. Perfect gentlemen dedicated to kingdom and code. Today they are called the Police and they are the protectors and defenders of peace in every nation. Maintaining order is their business and even though some of them have strayed we must not break the bonds with them. Bonds that forge our nation and every nation in this world. One such knight is Clement Alles who has been in retirement for 39 years. Thirty nine years since he took off the uniform he donned with pride. The Daily News caught up with Clement Alles, former Police officer and gentleman

par excellence.

Q: You have witnessed the development of Sri Lankan Police service over several generations. Did you serve the Police in the British period? When did you start your Police service?

A: I joined in 1937, when the colonial government was in force, as a young Sub Inspector of Police. I retired in 1972 and I have been in retirement for 39 years.

That is a record in itself. I have had an excellent record. I have received commendations and a gallantry award. These are from Prime Ministers, Supreme Court judges and from the Mayor of Kurunegala, diplomats and public. In my life I have served 36 years as a Police officer.

I have as I have mentioned before, three outstanding entries for special Police work, including a gallantry award. I have also been all over the world to countries, such as UK, USA, Singapore, Malaysia and Egypt.

I am also in excellent health. I have got the coronation medal and the defence medal and a state medal. I have a medal which is very rare for a Police officer, unless you have 20 years of very good conduct, that medal is not given.

Q: What are your observations about the Police service during the immediate post independence period?

A: We got independence in 1948. I served under the British officers. Discipline was something you can't escape from. In my whole career I have 230 good entries and one bad entry because I was late for a meeting.

Q: When it came to recruitment, was it rigorous in those days? Was it difficult to get in?

A: In 1937, it was extremely difficult to get into the Police. They were very strict. I was 5'6". That was the minimum height necessary to get in. And you had to come from a good background with sports and educational qualifications. They were so particular.

Q: Were you able to perform your duties in a proper manner? Was there unnecessary interference?

A: I must say during my stay from 1937- 1972, there was no interference at all. Most of the officers in my day were gentlemen of high calibre. There was no outside interference.

Q: How was discipline in those days?

A: In my time discipline was quite good. The officers were very strict.

Q: Was there an 'underworld' in those days? How did the Police deal with the problems of underworld, mafia and drugs, corruption and bribes?

A: During my time there was no 'underworld'. During my career of 36 years, there was no underworld.

Q: What are your recommendations to improve the service of today?

A: Number one is discipline. To earn respect, you must give respect.

Q: Tell me a little bit about your family?

A: My children, my son and daughter have been wonderful to me. They have looked after me very well. This is for 30 years and now I am in the twilight of my life. I will be 99 years this December. Thank God I have been looked after because I am mobile and mentally alert.