‘I get upset’ when Police are disrespected – Minister Benn

In condemning the disrespect police officers are subjected to while performing their duties, Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, also issued a call for systemic reforms in policing.

During his address at the National Road Safety Stakeholder Forum on Tuesday, Minister Benn highlighted the daily challenges faced by police officers.

“While driving to work or being driven anywhere, I get upset when I see how disrespected the police are. Of course, there may be failings by the police now and again, but it is a fairly invidious job getting insults every day from people who are using the road,” Benn stated.

He further highlighted the practice of attempting to bribe officers or contacting high-ranking officials or ministers to avoid penalties.

“When people think the police will do them something, they may want to offer a bribe or call the minister or somebody they know. Usually, I tell the police to charge them. Don’t call me, I will tell the police to issue the ticket, which is exactly what they should do on the road,” the minister said which garnered applause from those in the audience.

And so, to support accountability and reduce direct confrontations, Minister Benn recommended a system that would allow offenders to be ticketed without the need to visit police stations.

Minister Benn also stressed the importance of making police stations more humane and welcoming, especially for those in distress.

“Even though new stations are being built, the station must be a welcoming place for people. It must be a place where people, whether victim or perpetrator, feel calm and respected,” Minister Benn revealed.
He recounted a visit to the Beterverwagting (BV) Police Station where he witnessed a distressing scene.

“I was traumatised myself when I went to the BV police station one time and saw four young ladies lying on the concrete floor at 3:00 in the morning. We cannot have that, it is disrespectful to them, to us, and to the wider society. It creates a disrespectful criminal justice system,” Benn said.

Adding: “Even the lockups must have beds and pillows for people to lie on.”

Minister Benn said efforts are underway to improve facilities and accountability across the police force, including the use of body cameras and video surveillance in police stations.