GEORGE TOWN: State police have been reminded not to visit entertainment joints for the purpose of entertainment because it will paint a bad perception towards the state police contingent.
State police chief Datuk Khaw Kok Chin said police officers and personnel are only allowed to go to entertainment joints on official duties.
"Recently, there were reports in other police contingents where senior and junior police officers visited entertainment joints to have fun, engage guest relations officers, drink liquor and take drugs.
"Actions such as this have created a negative perception of the public towards the police, tarnished the good name and integrity of the police and goes against the team's policy to create an organisation that is competent, has integrity and is free of corruption.
"I want to ensure that this does not happen in the Penang police contingent. Police officers are only allowed to visit entertainment joints to carry out their duties after having received permission from the department head," he said in his speech at the Penang police contingent monthly assembly at the state police contingent headquarters here today.
Penang police statistics, as reported by Harian Metro, revealed that a total of 91 disciplinary investigation papers (IP) were opened the whole of last year, of which 43 involved wrongdoings and 23 criminal cases.
Ten IPs were on drug cases, seven on absence from work and four each on syariah-related offences and involving the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
Altogether, it involved 125 officers and personnel, of which 118 were junior officers, four senior officers and three civilian staff.
Khaw said all heads, district police chiefs and station chiefs were required to monitor and ensure that all junior and senior officers were not involved in such activities.
Meanwhile, Khaw also reminded all officers and personnel not to get involved in political activities or programmes.
"The police is a government organisation that provides professional and quality services in protecting the country to ensure a safe, peaceful and prosperous society.
"All officers and personnel are prohibited from participating in activities or programmes that have political elements.
"This prohibition includes giving a biased view on any issue between political parties.
"The formation heads, the department heads and the district police head are required to monitor this. If anyone disobeys the instructions, disciplinary action must be imposed on them," he added.
In his speech, Khaw also warned against extortion or the 'pau' culture while carrying out duties.
"All policemen are given the responsibility to carry out their duties but do not abuse them by resorting to the culture of extorting the people, with the aim that the offender/s are not arrested or have no action taken against them.
"All police officers are responsible. They need to know the behaviour of their subordinates if they are affected by any violation of misconduct or disciplinary issues.
"This is to ensure that the integrity of police officers can be improved in addition to maintaining and protecting the image of the force," he said.