PENANG, November 2013 - Security enforcers especially the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) should arm themselves with knowledge and skills to deal with criminal cases involving criminals who think that they are 'smarter'.

Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said that the police personnel need to be more alert and be wiser to fight crime, especially those involving criminals who are innovative in operating their criminal activities.

He said that criminals are also ordinary human beings and that there is nothing that could have prevented the authorities to continue to ensure the safety of the public.

“So we always make sure that RMP members are equipped with various special programmes covering the theoretical and physical aspects to face the challenges in the field of policing today and improving the capabilities of the RMP from time to time,” he said.

Khalid said this in his inaugural lecture entitled “Futuristic Policing: The Direction of the Royal Malaysia Police in the Context of Vision 2020" here recently. Also present were the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Dr. Omar Osman; principal officers of the University; and the police force.

The highlight of the lecture is centred on the basic community policing and this is seen as an effective method in discharging responsibilities to protect the security of society and peace in the country.

Furthermore the responsibilities of the police in determining the level of national security is always assured in all aspects including the prevention, control, and action taken.

Commenting on related programmes held annually since USM is working closely with the RMP, Khalid said that he hoped to run more programmes involving both parties.

“We always welcome such smart partnership and intends to continue to send policemen to further their studies and follow academic programmes offered by the university,” he said.

In the meantime, Omar said USM will strengthen cooperation in the field of forensics and Social Sciences in particular with RMP while also looking at the potential of expanding cooperation in other fields.

He said that USM is always exploring opportunities to work with various agencies such as the police because the field of policing is among the important factors that contribute to the improvement of research development at the University.

“USM is committed to continue this relationship and help in providing the expertise to benefit the safety and well-being of society as a whole,” he added. - Translation: Yong Check Yoon/Text: Marziana Mohamed Alias/Photo: Mohd Fairus Md. Isa