Cases of police imposters being apprehended and arraigned have made headlines in the recent past. Some of these fake cops even infiltrated the National Police Service (NPS) and enjoyed privileges offered to law enforcers.
Police Spokesperson, Bruno Shioso, on Monday, October 11, weighed in on the issue during an interview on Spice FM's morning show, The Situation Room.
Shioso cautioned the public that despite the police service unveiling and enhancing measures to curb these imposters who prey on unwary Kenyans, the citizens too could help in identifying individuals masquerading as cops.
He first admitted that there were existing gaps in police identification guidelines and these were among the loopholes used by police imposters.
"The issue of police identification is key because of the nature of our work, the kind of powers we have, and the fact that people can misuse those powers. At a baseline level, it is all about a police officer being in uniform. If an officer is dressed and known, then he is given that benefit of doubt," he stated.
Shioso urged individuals to ask for proof of work or identification from officers in uniform. One can also confirm a police officer's name and number from their name tag.
"As per our service standing orders, if you are in uniform, you can have a name tag so that a reasonable person can know that this is an officer,
"Beyond that, an officer with a firearm in a public space during daytime doesn’t call for any drama," he stated.
One key issue he focused on was how to identify police in civilian clothes. The Director of Corporate Communication at NPS stated that this was a major concern as most imposters parade themselves as uniformless officers.
"If someone is in civilian, that is common sense. You have to produce a certificate of appointment. I do it all the time when I am not in uniform," he addressed.
The NPS on Monday, October 4, banned police from using civilian cars during undercover missions, in one of the measures set to curb the rise of kidnappings and extrajudicial killings. Most victims families lamented that they were at crossroads over identifying whether those who reportedly apprehended their kins were police or not.
Police officers were also barred from working outside their areas of jurisdiction. Officers Commanding Stations (OCSs) were ordered to report and explain when and why private vehicles were used in any certain operation.
Operations targetted by the NPS were those which would require officers to disguise their identity.
Shioso, however, noted that there are avenues in which the public can and cannot raise queries on the identification of police officers. According to the spokesperson, there are covert operations that require officers to be undercover and protect their identity.
"If you have doubts about it, then it can be addressed in a stipulated way. If we (police) have to explain our identity all the time, then we will not be able to work. We only have 12 hours. Let us be honest," Shioso defended his colleagues.
