Police activates hotlines for complaints against officers
The Ghana Police Service has activated the following hotlines for the general public especially motorists and passengers to reach Police authorities at the national headquarters on their experiences with Police officers on the road.
The activated hotlines are 0550323323 (voice calls and SMS only) 0275000156 (voice calls and SMS only) and 020 663 9121 (WhatsApp/ videos only).
According to the service, this new directive has become necessary as a result of complaints concerning some personnel unprofessional conduct whiles on traffic, highway patrol, barrier and snap checks duties.
A statement issued and signed by the Director-General of Public Affairs, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr. David Eklu, says the activation of the complaint numbers followed directives issued by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) last October regarding measures to check such complaints.
The police service encourages members of the public to make use of the hotlines.
“All road users are encouraged to send videos of police misconduct, including pictures, WhatsApp, text messages and voice calls on police unprofessional conduct and good conduct worth emulating,” the statement said.
Find below details of the statement
1. The Police Administration has activated the following hotlines to enable members of the public especially motorists and passengers to reach Police authorities at the national headquarters on their experiences with Police officers on the road.
2. The hotlines are: a. 0550323323 for voice calls and sms only b. 0275000156 for voice calls and sms only c. 020 663 9121 for whatsapp/ videos only.
3. This has become necessary as a result of complaints concerning Police unprofessional conduct whiles on traffic, highway patrol, barrier, snap checks among others and the subsequent directives issued by the Inspector General of Police on 15/10/19 regarding measures to check such complaints.
4. All road users are encouraged to send videos of Police misconduct, including pictures, whatsapp, text messages and voice calls on Police unprofessional conduct and good conduct worth emulating.
5. MTTD: The motor traffic and transport department (MTTD) is the mandated Police unit for the enforcement of road traffic laws and regulations among others. They are identified in white tunic over black trousers with a peaked cap or combo as head gear. They sometimes wear reflective jacket on their top uniforms to enhance visibility.
6. HIGHWAY PATROL: The Police highway patrol teams are basically assigned to combat highway robberies and also prevent other crimes on the highway. They are mostly identified in normal Police operational dress and they are armed.
7. BARRIERS: Police officers at various barriers/check points are strategically detailed to address specific national security concerns. They also wear Police operational uniforms and are armed. Incase of reply the Number and date of this letter should be quoted My Ref: PAD/PRESS/VOL.3/139 Your Ref. PUBLIC AFFAIRS DIRECTORATE POLICE HEADQUARTERS POST OFFICE BOX 116 ACCRA 12TH NOVEMBER, 2019 NEWS
8. RELEASE Website-www.police.gov.gh Email- hq.pro@police.gov.gh, padphotopol@gmail.com, Facebook GhPoliceService Twitter @GhPoliceService Whatsapp Videos Only-0206639121 Emergency – 191, 18555 (MTN & Vodafone) Tel: 0302-773906, Post Office Box GP 116, 2 8.
9. Apart from the MTTD, none of the above mentioned officers on highway patrol/barrier duties are deployed to specifically conduct motor check e.g. inspecting driver’s licenses, road worthy and insurance certificates, etc. However, any Police officer can conduct traffic related checks based on reasonable suspicion of a road traffic offence but will have to immediately hand over the case to the Police MTTD after the preliminary action. 9. Motorists are cautioned to adhere to traffic laws on the road.
10. The Police Administration, therefore, appeals to the public to give maximum cooperation and wish to assure the public that such complaints when received will be expeditiously dealt with.
David Eklu
Assistant Commissioner of Police Director-General, Public Affairs