Public assistance vital to solve crimes - IGP

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

Public assistance is vital to solve crimes in the country. The public have the ability to help the Police by identifying the persons involved in crime. So it is the duty of the Police to deal with the public in a respectful and friendly manner, Inspector General of Police (IGP) N. K.Illangakoon said yesterday.

IGP N. K. Illangakoon

“Public assistance is also very important in helping maintain peace and harmony in society. Information and tips provided by the public are crucial to solving and defeating crime, he added.

IGP Illangakoon was speaking at the ceremony to present rewards to 214 Police officers who succeeded in apprehending culprits in a number of murder cases, bringing to book drug traffickers, helping find hidden explosives and ammunition and uncovering large scale scams.

Ten civilians were also rewarded by IGP Illangakoon at this ceremony for providing vital information to the Police about various crimes.

Among the recipients of rewards were the persons who gave correct information about the murder of two Buddhist monks at the Kotte Rajamaha Viharaya. Police officers who conducted successful investigations into a number of crimes were also rewarded. IGP Illangakoon distributed rewards worth Rs.3.1 million, provided salary increments and gave a number of commendation letters among 214 Police personnel who brought honour to the Police Department.

This is the third time that Police personnel and civilians have been rewarded this year and the fifth time after IGP Illangakoon's appointment.

Over Rs.46 million in cash rewards has been distributed among 1,945 Police personnel and 101 civilians. The highest amount of money of Rs.500,000 had been awarded to the civilian who provided the number of the car which was used in the murder of two Buddhist monks at the Kotte Rajamaha Viharaya to the Police.

“Extra incentives will be offered to Police personnel through this rewards scheme for dedicated and outstanding service in creating a peaceful environment for the public.

“Police personnel who are recipients of these awards will get more marks, especially when they have to face interviews for promotions,” the IGP further said.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Intelligenc Section, Civil Defence Force,Colombo Crimes Division (CCD), Police Special Branch and certain police stations had also received awards at the ceremony.

Senior DIG (Administration) Gamini Nawaratne, DIG Crimes Ravi Wijegunawardena, Police Media Spokesman SSP Ajith Rohana were also present.