Public co-operation during investigation of crime

Luxson Chananda
VERY often, police have been accused of incompetence or engaging in corrupt practices with the end result that the accused persons go scot-free after committing a crime. Against a background that criminals commit offences in the absence of victims/ complainants, and that they will try at all cost to cover up their tracks after having done so, it is important that the public gets to appreciate its role in the detection and investigation of crime.

There is need to identify areas that need full co-operation in this process so as to close loop holes where criminals will make a fool of the public, or the police and eventually the justice delivery system.

Early Reporting
There are many cases that are being reported late at stations in the province. Such cases include rape, unlawful entry, theft and even stock-theft to mention only a few. Our people need to know that, early reporting of cases enables the police to quickly assess the merits of the case and to determine the suitable approach, personnel and equipment needed when attending the scene.

Most people have a tendency to consult relatives or employers first before making the decision to report an offence to the police. The relative or employer could be on vacation in another country. Delays made in reporting the cases result in any of the following:-
Tampering with evidence on the crime scene as it can be trodden over by people thus giving criminals time to rid the crime scene of evidence. Evidence on some objects, place or individuals wears away with time.
allowing the criminal time to get away.
giving criminals the opportunity to build up defenses against the commission of the crime e.g. interfering with witnesses.

Very often the police or courts find it difficult to hold up (detain) a suspect when there is little or no indication that they have committed a crime.

Securing the scene (Scene Preservation)
In cases of theft, breakings, robbery and any other scenario where there has been criminal activity, it is important to make sure that the scene is kept intact. Do not pick up items or let people tread over the place until the police have arrived. Where there is a likelihood of obliteration of such things as foot prints, cover these with cardboard boxes or other items.

Be your brother’s keeper
It is common for people to shy away from standing as witness when they have seen a crime being committed. Others may even have knowledge of how certain property or other items which can be exhibits required in a case might have been disposed of. These people may be unwilling to assist in the identification or recovery of such property. This is an advantage to criminals. Habitual criminals know the strengths and weaknesses of cases and capitalise on them to escape clutches of the law. We have come of age and the “sell-out” syndrome should be a thing of the past. Be your brother’s keeper. Protect each other from crime and join hands in ridding society of criminals. Many are choosing to keep quiet when they are fully aware that a criminal is walking free because their most valued evidence could not be secured.

Position of cases
Take time to know position of cases. Criminals who are out on bail or those who have fled from police sometimes do not disclose that they are out for such reasons. Rather, they claim to have connections or to have bribed their way out so as to instil fear on victims and the community thus bringing about sour relations between the police and the public.

This is the reason police in the past have always encouraged complainants and other interested parties in a case to develop a close relationship. Know the crime reference of your case, exchange contacts with your investigating officer or better still the Officer-In-Charge (crime) of your station.

This will help you know the exact position of your case thereby dispelling any rumours or misleading information. Police always encourage Crime Consultative Committees and members of the Neighbourhood Watch Committees to keep abreast with the progress and position of all cases committed in their respective areas of operation.

This will enable them to put the record straight to people in their area where criminals boast being indispensable.
As we get into the Heroes/Defence day and school holidays let us remember to be on the lookout for crime. Where crime has been committed, let us all be sure of what to do.

Inserted by:- ZRP Manicaland Province Press and Public Relations.