Reinforce the police without delay

It is disheartening to learn that more than 400 key posts in the police force remain vacant or effectively non-functional, thus hindering its operational effectiveness and overall capacity to combat crime.

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Among the vacancies are at least 424 vital positions, including nine for additional inspector general of police (IGP) and 34 for deputy inspector general (DIG).

There are also two vacancies for additional DIG, 47 for additional superintendent of police (ASP), and 332 for assistant SP.

Besides, 119 top and mid-level officers — including DIGs, additional DIGs, and SPs — have been "attached" to various units without specific responsibilities, limiting their duties to office attendance and routine paperwork.

Police have been further weakened by a wave of forced retirements following the 2024 uprising that left over 1,400 people dead, many in police shootings.

This was more or less expected, as the interim administration sought to hold accountable those involved in the brutalities.