Police need to adapt: IPW

The Indonesian Police Watch (IPW) says the police should reconsider their approach in stopping crime and prepare more training for officers in light of recent “revenge” attacks.

"The IPW sees [the attack incidents] as revenge from people who were angered by the police’s arrogance, especially in tackling terrorist issues," IPW coordinator Neta S. Pane said on Tuesday.

He said that in 2010 there were at least 15 police stations ransacked and torched by angry mobs and eight traffic police officers were killed by motorists. During 2011, eight police officers were shot to death. Kidnapping police officers was a new method that required caution, Neta added.

"The police need to take a look at themselves and they need to be better prepared through extended training," he said.

On Monday afternoon, a Sukolilo police officer, First Brig. Erik Setyobudi was found dead in Sukolilo, Bangkalan, East Java, after he was kidnapped in the line of duty by three unidentified people. (rpt)