Reform of the police should start with ending graft

It is reported that the National Reform Steering Assembly (NRSA) wants police reform to focus on efficiency. Worapong Chiewpreecha, deputy chairman of the Committee on Law and Justice Reform, explains that efficiency is hindered by the separation of investigation and inquiry. A new integrated system of shifts would enable investigation and inquiry officers – and their superiors – to work as a team so that “they can carry out their duty in a transparent manner”.
This highly sophisticated level of rational assessment was debated and voted on. In reality, none of it will make an iota of difference. It will not restore faith and confidence in the police nor will it “better ensure safety and protect (the) lives and property of the people”. Criminals have nothing to fear.
Real structural change causes pain because it cuts deep, so it is impossible not to feel disappointment. Please, ladies and gentlemen of the NRSA, there are far more important things to reform before efficiency and the management of shifts.
For starters, incinerate the entire police stock of dirty brown envelopes. Make police possession of such items a serious, punishable crime. Smoke out structural corruption.
Sure, this would really hurt – but it would also help purify the air, a transparent first step in gaining the much-needed support of the people.
John Shepherd
Bangkok