EXHIBIT DISCISPLINE IN CONLICT AREAS...Alhaji Mahama (D/G, Thursday, May 28, 2009 PAGE 20)

THE outgoing Upper East Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Alhaji Hamidu Mahama has challenged police personnel on operational duties in the Bawku Municipality to exhibit greater discipline in the discharge of their mandate in the conflict areas.
DCOP Mahama who is due to assume command of the Western Region, stated that the Police Administration would not sit down and allow the hard won reputation of the service to be dragged in the mud, especially after relative peace had been restored in the conflict areas.
DCOP Mahama gave the advice when he interacted with police personnel on operational duties in Bawku during a working visit to the area.
He said attempts by the security agencies including the police to bring permanent peace in Bawku would be a mirage if police personnel on the ground did not exhibit discipline in all their dealings, especially their daily contact with civilians in the municipality.
While cautioning them to be fair and firm in carrying out their mandate, he advised them to show respect to the ordinary person on the street and desist from all acts of harassment that might end up tarnishing the image of the police service.
“The cornerstone of the new police administration is discipline and any personnel who fails to display a high sense of discipline will not be spared”, he warned.
The outgoing regional commander urged the men to examine what role they could play collectively to resolve the conflict in the area to enable them to return to their respective stations.
He enjoined the personnel to remain neutral at all times.
Responding to some of the challenges confronting his men on the ground, DCOP Mahama said the police administration was fully aware of the logistic problems facing them and gave the assurance that the necessary steps would be taken to make life comfortable for them.
Meanwhile, the peacekeepers have appealed to the outgoing regional commander and the regional coordinating council to help in replacing their tents since they are in deplorable state.