A few weeks ago I was issued a ticket under the Motor Vehicles Act for operating a handheld device while driving. It’s a strict liability offence so notwithstanding my reason for being on the phone, I was guilty and the police officer was well within his right to issue the ticket.
He was so aggressive, so hostile and unmannerly, that I was moved to write a letter of complaint. Admittedly, I expected nothing to come out of it. The incident was so upsetting that I lost all faith in members of the service. But I must commend the staff and management of Traffic Branch for their professionalism.
From the time I entered the premises to deliver the letter, all of the police officers, from the officer standing guard at the gate, to the officer who guided me to the relevant office, were extremely courteous and professional.
The sergeant on duty even asked my permission to open and read the contents of the letter since it was addressed to the head and he asked me to wait while he read the letter to ensure that I was available if he had any questions. I also received a call from a senior superintendent who promised that the complaint would be investigated.
I felt it necessary to write this letter to highlight the importance of having the right people in the service. Confidence can be so easily undermined based on the actions of one, or a few, officers. As a matter of fact, every single public servant must ensure that every time they interact with members of the public, they are representing their organisation, and it’s so easy to leave a bad impression.
While it is important to ensure that due process is followed, all bureaucratic obstacles which stand in the way of weeding out bad seeds must be removed. Trade unions must not defend every single act of indiscipline and unprofessionalism. Officers who don’t love their job must learn to do so or find alternative means of employment.
Members of the public must demand more, expect the best service, and stand ready to document any issues.
As a people, we should not simply sit back and take what we get, because that’s the way it has always been.
A Corbin,
Diego Martin.