At least 381 police officers graduated on Monday after completing a six-month refresher course in Unity State.
Governor Justice Riek Bim Top, while addressing the officers, said the initiative aims to bolster law enforcement in the state and to enhance the maintenance of law and order.
“I order the urgent deployment of the 381 police graduates who have completed the training and your work as police is to protect the civilians and prevent crime in Unity State and neighboring areas like Ruweng, and along the borders with Lakes and Warrap states,” he said.
The governor emphasized the importance of a well-trained police force in addressing security challenges and ensuring the safety of citizens.
For his part, Unity State Police Commissioner Maj. Gen. Gatkuoth Duop Kuich reoriented the officers about their roles, duties, and the professional service they should render to the communities.
“Police are the heart of the government,” he explained. “Today, you must know that police are mandated to protect the local people, know how to pursue and arrest offenders, carry out criminal investigations under the directives from the Attorney General, protect civilians, control random firearm movements, and fully discharge your duties professionally.”
The police officers are expected to be deployed across Unity State to support ongoing efforts to combat crime and promote community safety.
“As you are going to be officially deployed after this graduation ceremony, I command you to maintain law and order as a professional police force,” Gen. Duop instructed. “During this Christmas season, I want you to maintain security in the areas you will be deployed and this Christmas must be colorful.”
The governor’s initiative to retrain the police reflects a commitment to strengthening local law enforcement capabilities and fostering a secure environment for the local communities.
According to the police commissioner, the deployment of the police is part of broader efforts to improve public safety and respond to the needs of Unity State residents.
“The number of police officers we requested the police headquarters to train as Unity State was 1,000 but only 381 turned up and completed the refresher course on Monday because 619 did not come during the mobilization in June,” Gen. Duop stated.
A resident of Bentiu town, Nyakueth Kuony, lauded the graduation and deployment of the police officers and said it will improve security in the town and across the state.
“Crime will reduce when the criminals know that these forces were graduated to protect the civilians,” she said.