CP Imo Stops Personnel From Checking Phones, Palmtops, LAPTOPS, Permits For Tinted Vehicles

Worried by the attitude of his Officers and Men, and the complaints from members of the public over the constant harassment they suffer in their hands,  the Commissioner of Police Imo State, has issued a stern warning to them to his people.

Members of the public have continued to complain about the invasion of their privacy by Police Personnel in the State. They search their phones, their laptops, their Palmtops and more. They ask for Police permit for tinted cars, even for cars that were custom made.

Angered by what has become scandalous, the CP, Mohammed Barde, in a statement signed on his behalf on Monday, 28th November, 2022, by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Michael Abattam, warned his Officers and men to desist  from such actions, and warned of dire consequences against anyone of them caught indulging in such unwholesome behaviour.

Following is the full statement by the Command.

“Sequel to series of complaints received from members of the public, especially from the youth alleging indiscriminate harassment and illegal checking of their phones, palm tops, laptops and demand of tinted glass permits on the road, by Police Officers thereby causing untold hardships to them and in the process, embarrassing the Command.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Ahmed Barde, psc(+) frowns at this unwholesome negative attitudes exhibited by Policemen, and warned in strong terms, that all Police Officers while on patrols/stop and search duties who are in the habit of harassing youths and checking their Phones, Palmtops, Laptops and demanding for tinted glass permit to stop such act forthwith in the State.

“In the same vein, he advised the youths to ensure that, they respect the rule of law and desist from using black cellophane to create artificial tinted on the glasses of their vehicle’s but those with factory fitted tinted glasses are free to use them without permit. Also, those in the habit of using spy number plate, covering their car number plates or replaced same with designed logos of the make of their vehicles should desist from such illegal act as, anyone caught, his/her vehicle will be impounded and the owner will be made to face the full wrath of the law.

“Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police has directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPO) and Tactical Teams Commanders of the various units in the Command to ensure their subordinates are warned against indulging in these practices as any Police Officer found complicit will be made to face disciplinary actions.  Furthermore, he directed that Officers and men should be professional and uphold international best practices and exercise their duty to the general public devoid of any form of victimization.

“Finally, the CP while commending Imolites for their constant support to the Command, especially the youths, assured them of the Command’s efforts in ensuring a crime free yuletide season and enjoined them to assist the Police by volunteering credible and timely information. Moreso, in time of distress or whenever they are being harassed by any member of the Force, they should not hesitate to call the Command’s emergency control room numbers for quick intervention: 08034773600 or 08098880197.”