Police warn of crooked cops

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Fri, 02/29/2008 11:56 AM

The National Police has warned Jakartans to be wary of city police officers pulling them over in late-night ID checks, saying there have been complaints of police planting drugs on motorists.

National Police spokesman Insp. Gen. Sisno Adiwinoto said some drivers have accused officers in Jakarta of planting drugs in their cars and then demanding bribes to let them go.

The motorists are initially pulled over during police checks, when officers stop vehicles to check vehicle documents, ID cards and driver's licenses.

Sisno said there have been allegations of police cooperating with valets at malls or hotels to plant drugs in vehicles.

The officers, according to the complaints, then threaten the car owners with arrest unless they pay a bribe.

Sisno advised car owners to stand up for their rights and deny the drugs belonged to them.

"Also, don't touch the drugs yourself," Sisno was quoted by Detik.com as saying Thursday.

"You should also ask the police not to touch the drugs so the stuff can be checked to find whose fingerprints are on the drugs," he said.

He also said car owners should demand officers show them their official orders for the ID checks, and ask the officers for their names and ranks.

"You should be ready and have the courage to report the incident to the city police. The police belong to the public, so it is also your duty to help clean up the institution from dirty officers," Sisno said.

Last October, police in Kebayoran Baru in South Jakarta arrested musician Fariz R.M. for marijuana possession.

Fariz was on his way home with a friend when his car was stopped by police in Radio Dalam, also in South Jakarta.

Police found a small bag of marijuana inside the car and detained the singer.

Fariz denied owning the drugs, saying police pulled him over once, let him go, and then stopped him again.

During the second check, police found the drugs in the trunk, which Fariz claims the officers planted.

The singer is currently on trial for drug possession. (trw)

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