BY BEN BILUA
COMMUNITY leaders and chiefs of San Jorge Island have raised concerns over the professionalism and conduct of police officers deployed to the island.
Outspoken Chief of San Jorge, Paul Fota, claimed that the current arrangement where police officers are hired by mining companies to provide security services is compromising their neutrality.
He said the practice raises serious questions about the ability of police officers to fairly handle disputes between resource owners and mining companies.
According to Fota, engaging police officers to provide security for miners not only breaches protocols but also gives birth to bad influence on how officers respond to issues involving landowners.
“The arrangement compromises the professionalism and conduct of police when dealing with issues between resource owners and mining companies,” he said.
Fota alleges that there have been instances where police officers appeared to protect the interests of mining companies rather than the rights of local resource owners.
“In some cases, resource owners are clearly right, but the actions of police seem to favour the miners,” he added.
Fota said such situations undermine trust between communities and the police force, which is expected to remain impartial in enforcing the law.
He also revealed that police officers are usually deployed to the island for two-week periods before being rotated.
While acknowledging the need for security in areas where mining activities are taking place, community leaders say law enforcement officers must maintain independence and professionalism at all times.
They are now calling on relevant authorities to review the arrangement to ensure that policing remains fair, transparent and in the best interest of all parties involved.
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