By Staff Writer
Police are unwavering in their sworn obligations to enforce law and order but lawlessness on social media is an added strain on their heavy workload.
Lady Deputy Police Commissioner, Papali’i Monalisa Tia’i-Keti, showed this rare insight into the demands on the law enforcement service, as the unstable turn of political events continues following the April general elections.
“Samoa Police, Prisons and Correction Services will continue to carry out its mandated functions as per laws of Samoa,” Deputy Commissioner Papali’i declared in a straight forward reaction to Newsline Samoa enquiries into the current police workload.
An indication of the unwanted strain on the police are concerns by the deputy Commissioner against the use of the social media to incite users into breaking the law.
Papali’i worried about the highly sensitive times in the country and the risks of online user exchanges getting out of control and the risks to the welfare of the general public.
“The uncertainties have somewhat created additional work for police especially with a growing concerns for cyber bullying, online hate, threatening and insulting remarks,” Papali’i clarified.
“ The uncertainties have somewhat made others think that they can break the law, we advise against this mentality and to refrain from breaking the law.”
The deputy Commissioner reminded the public further “…to use social media and online forums wisely and not to abuse or spread hate speech.”
“ Individuals are reminded of the impact of online hate emotionally and mentally and to …”Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
Police have also been the recent target of social media abuse for not enforcing a court ruling in favour of the FAST political party.
Social media reactions exploded into a rage when the police did not force the opening of the Parliament Building for the new Parliament to convene on 24 May 2021.
Commissioner Fuiavailili Egon Keil, however, would not be drawn into taking sides with any political party by concentrating on the normal work of the police to maintain law and order in the country.
More social media negative reaction also questioned why officers on crowd control duty at Mulinu’u were in civilian wear and not in official police uniform.
Deputy Commissioner Papali’i reminded that the core role of the police is to preserve and maintain the peace in all the events that has been happening at Mulinu’u.
“ Police teams deployed to those events were tasked with different responsibilities and were wearing uniform according to their allocated tasks, including those who were in normal blue uniform, others were wearing police polo t-shirts.”
Papali’i also underlined the changing times and how the police response efforts require uniforms that are suitable for them to effectively carry out duties that are required of them.
Polo t-shirts, long pants and police boots offered flexible movements for on duty officers in any crowd control situation.
Regular police uniform comprise heavy shirts, lavalava and strapped on shoes that are not quite suited to enforcement duties that have to be done.