Holding Police officers accountable for rights violations

Recent court rulings have repeatedly found Police officers guilty of violating the fundamental rights of citizens. In several of these cases, the courts have imposed fines to be paid personally by the offending officers and have directed that the judgements be forwarded to the National Police Commission for appropriate disciplinary action. These decisions raise a serious and unavoidable question: Are officers, who have been judicially found guilty of violating the very rights they are sworn to protect, fit to continue in public service?

Public confidence in law enforcement depends not only on the punishment imposed by courts, but also on visible and decisive institutional action. However, there appears to be little public information on whether meaningful disciplinary measures have been taken against such officers. This silence risks eroding trust in both the Police and the oversight mechanisms meant to ensure accountability.

If the rule of law is to be upheld, accountability must extend beyond financial penalties.  The public deserves to know; what action has been taken, and why does there appear to be a lack of follow-through?

Upali Weerasinghe