Investigations into police personnel at the National Centre of Training Excellence at Bomana last week involved in a heated discussion, which was captured in a video, and posted on social media.
From what was recorded, the exchange relates to several recruits, allegedly not on the approved list, and allowed to join the training with this second batch of 2023 recruits that began training early October this year.
Commissioner of Police, David Manning today issued a statement, advising that those involved have been suspended from their positions, pending the investigations, with the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Administration) tasked to examine allegations made during the heated exchange.
His statement goes on to reveal that there will be a review of recent recruitment process.
“I am aware of an unprofessional exchange between personnel at the National Centre of Training Excellence last week,” Commissioner Manning said.
“I have no tolerance for such unprofessional conduct by those involved in the section or training our future police officers”.
“Deputy Commissioner of Police (Administration) has been tasked with conducting a full review of recruitment activity and will determine if there has been any deviation from approved recruitment practices.
“Suspension, dismissal from the Force, and criminal charges will be the end result for those involved if there is even the slightest truth to these allegations.”
“The two members at the centre of this incident have been suspended and will face disciplinary action for their disgraceful conduct. Should investigations reveal any ranking officer was present during this exchange, they will be dealt with for failing to exercise supervision of those under their command.”
“This behaviour by police personnel is totally unacceptable and I do not want those involved anywhere near recruits, who we are training to be committed to only the highest standards of professional conduct.”
A review headed by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Administration) will examine allegations of impropriety in selection processes raised in the unprofessional exchange and subsequent social media reporting.
“Service in the RPNGC requires the highest levels of Integrity, Commitment and Accountability,” Commissioner Manning said.
“Any person found to have been improperly admitted to a recruit training program will be subject to immediate dismissal and criminal investigation. Any person found to have aided an improper admission will face dismissal and criminal prosecution”.
“Impartial recruitment processes are the foundation of a life of service in the RPNGC. On commencing our unprecedented recruitment drive in 2023, I directed the engagement of a professional recruitment agency to not only oversee our recruitment processes but also to work alongside our Administration wing.”
“The review by DCP Administration will examine all aspects of this recent recruitment process, including the conduct of those in our HR and Training divisions, the suitability of recruits, and the honesty of any professionals attesting to suitability.”
“If the Administration Wing is shown to be deficient in any manner, changes will be swift. If necessary, we will not hesitate to engage external HR or Training professionals to build on any identified shortcomings so that we get these fundamentals right”.
The Commissioner ended his statement stating that while this review is undertaken, recruits will be confined to Physical Training and Parade/Drill activity at the National Centre of Training Excellence.