Addressing the issue, the Inspector General of Police said that 10,000 new police officers will be recruited this year as an immediate solution. He further revealed that the Ministry of Public Security has granted approval to absorb an additional 10,000 personnel from the Civil Defence Force into the police service.
The IGP also noted that the police force currently comprises 31,000 serving officers.
Referring to a recent field study, he said that five key factors contributing to the erosion of police professionalism had been identified. According to the study, police officers are increasingly vulnerable to bribery and corruption, drug and alcohol addiction, misconduct, excessive mobile phone usage, and addiction to online gambling.
He added that disciplinary action has already been taken against approximately 500 officers who were found to be addicted to drugs or involved in various forms of misconduct. At the same time, he said that financial rewards amounting to Rs. 2,250 million have been granted to officers who performed their duties efficiently and with dedication.
IGP Priyantha Weerasuriya made these remarks while attending the passing-out ceremony of 315 trainee police constables and constable drivers held at the Pahalagama Police Training College in Thambuttegama on the day before yesterday (04).
