Laxity has no place in the Police Force – SP Soqosoqo

Police officers have been reminded that the Police Force has no place for laxity as the law must be allowed to run its course.

While opening the one-day workshop aimed at strengthening emergency response and service delivery protocol of Police in matters of Gender-Based Violence, Acting Divisional Police Commander North, Superintendent of Police (SP) Eroni Soqosoqo says one of the hurdles in the past and continues to rear its ugly head is the lack of faith in law enforcement to adequately deal with gender-based violence cases.

He says reasons have been laxity on their part, culture and tradition, which he reminded the officers that it has no place as the law must be allowed to run its course.

SP Soqosoqo says every year, from November 25th to December 10th, the world observes the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, an initiative devoted to increasing awareness and rallying support in eradicating all types of violence against women and girls.

He adds they have the ability to make a difference, and he knows that with the support of their partners, they can further enhance their knowledge and prepare officers well on how to handle such reports.

He hopes that officers will be able to share what they learn with their comrades in their respective stations.

Police officers in the Northern Division attended a one-day refresher training, and the expected outcomes of the training were to improve coordination with other service providers, promote a comprehensive response and appreciation of Gender-Based Violence survivors, and ensure Police officers understand the process and procedures for responding to violence against women and girls.