Ag.

Commissioner of Police

End of Year Message 2021

Dear Officers,

Year 2021 is drawing to a close. As we gear ourselves for transitioning into the
upcoming year, it is important to reflect on our achievements so that we put
our best foot forward as we embark on forthcoming journey.

The present year has been particularly challenging for the Mauritius Police
Force. Amidst a second wave of the COVID 19 pandemic, which the country
grappled with, the organisation encountered the unprecedented challenge of
reconciling operational effectiveness with the management of the lingering
risks of contamination among the police ranks. At this juncture I would like to
pay tribute to all our officers who have fallen in the battle field while protecting
our citizens against an invisible enemy. I express my heartfelt sympathy to
their family and reassure them of our support. On another note, I wish all those
who have been through the ordeals of COVID-19 contamination a speedy
recovery.

Dear Officers,

I am fully alive to the fact that since the beginning of the pandemic our
workload has increased manifolds. Besides routine policing, we are also
supporting other agencies and ensuring that sanitary protocols are being
strictly adhered to. Nonetheless, we have been living up to the expectations of
the authorities and citizens alike. I would like to thank all of you for the sense
duty and selflessness that you continue to display in keeping our country and
citizens safe. I also commend Branch and Divisional Commanders for their
leadership and ability to constantly motivate their staff in this dire situation.
 I am pleased to note that the
various strategies introduced at
different levels are yielding the desired
results. Force initiatives geared towards
ensuring greater police visibility- through the revamping of bike patrols
scheme - and intelligence led approach to policing are contributing in lowering
the crime rate and reassuring the community.

Likewise, strategies put in place at Divisional level are preventing crimes,

deterring criminals and yielding to the early arrest of miscreants. On this score,
I would like to place on record the tremendous efforts of Divisional Units and
the Crime Prevention Unit in the prevention and reduction of crimes, and the
painstaking tasks of Local CIDs and Divisional Crime Intelligence Units in
tracking and keeping criminals at bay.

During the outgoing year the MPF has also contributed immensely in ridding
society of scourges and alleviating unnecessary sufferings. The record drug
seizures and the dismantling of drugs networks by the ADSU with the support
of other adjuncts of the Force, like the National Coast Guard, the Police
Helicopter Squadron and the GIPM, demonstrate our commitment and
effectiveness in eradicating nuisances plaguing the Mauritian society.
Moreover, the concept of interoperability introduced lately is enabling other
Police Branches’ contribution in the fight against drug. The recent interception
of large drugs consignments and suspects at sea by the National Coast Guard
shows the multifaceted approach of the MPF in the disruption of drug
networks, and the vital role played by the Maritime Intelligence Cell
accordingly.

On the other hand, the commendable contribution of the Traffic Branch in

driving down the death tolls on our roads throws light on our relentless efforts
to reduce the plight caused by roads fatalities. I seize this opportunity to thank
all Branch Commanders and staff concerned for their hard work and
dedication.

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 Police assistance in the
management of the COVID 19
pandemic is yet another area worthy of
mention. The deployment of the Special
Mobile Force and Special Support Unit on security duties at Quarantine
Centres, and the involvement of Divisional / Branch / Unit staff in the
enforcement of the relevant sanitary Protocols have been instrumental in
preventing the wide spread of the virus in the community. I salute all the
officers who continuously put their life at risk for the security of our nation.

Dear Officers,

As a professional organisation, the Mauritius Police Force has continuously

strived to adhere to international norms and standards. You will recall that in
2020 Mauritius was placed on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) “Grey
list” after deficiencies were observed in the way money laundering
investigations were being conducted by Law Enforcement Agencies. Mindful
of the economic impact and other consequences associated with the “Grey
listing” of our jurisdiction, considerable efforts have been made by MPF to
satisfy FATF’s requirements. Our efforts along with that of other agencies have
contributed in enabling Mauritius to exit the “Grey List”, before the
established deadline. I wish to congratulate staff of the AML/CFT Unit and all
officers who, in one way or another, contributed to bring the necessary redress.
You have saved the reputation of our country and that of our organisation.
Well Done!

Dear Officers,

We can take pride in what we have achieved this year. However, we should
expect that 2022 will come with its loads of challenges. Since the COVID 19
situation is fraught with uncertainty, the complexity of unexpected
events/incidents is likely to be exacerbated and therefore more challenging to
handle. In the face of such anticipated adversity, both the organizational and
individual resilience are required.

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 As Ag. Commissioner of Police, I
will ensure that the organisation is
prepared to address all forms of
challenges that may come our way. Strategic
measures have been initiated to that effect. A strategic plan, which
encapsulates the diverse aspects of police work, has been worked out
accordingly and will be published shortly. Meanwhile, we are developing the
competency of our staff and rightsizing different units to ensure the effective
implementation of the relevant reforms. Likewise, the promotion of 309
officers to the rank of sergeant and the additional recruitment of temporary
Police Constables also form part of our human resources strategy to support
our plan. The efforts towards modernizing the organisation will be further
supported by the development of technical expertise and acquisition of
technological tool to support operations and investigations.

Dear Officers,

The expectations for a professional Police service is ever-increasing. Therefore,

our quest for increased modernisation and professionalism should be
relentless. This implies continuous improvement in the quality of service
delivered, enhanced operational and investigative capabilities, and increased
accountability for our actions and responses.

As a responsible organisation, the MPF will ensure that the required

infrastructures are put in place and that the necessary tools and equipment are
readily available. Efforts along this line have already been initiated. We are
ensuring the adequacy of police infrastructures, the acquisition of vehicles and
equipment, and developed SOPs for investigation and a reporting mechanism
on service delivery among others. The new Metro North Divisional
Headquarters, the Poudre d’Or NCG Post, the refit of Barracuda vessel, the
acquisition of a new passenger and high-speed boats in the near future, as well
as the guidelines issued on Money Laundering Investigation are steps in this
direction. It is also planned to acquire a new Advanced Light Helicopter and
the contract is expected to be signed early next year.

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 The key to MPF’s success will be
proactivity, as it enables us to identify
emerging challenges, anticipate problems
and develop the relevant counter measures accordingly. I would, therefore,
urge our officers, particularly those in command position to be proactive in
their approach irrespective of their field of operation.

Additionally, our ability to deliver high standards policing service will require
commitment and leadership from commanders and an exemplary conduct and
discipline across all ranks. I have no doubt that our Police Force has competent
and committed officers who give their level best day in and day out. I salute
these officers.

However, it is unfortunate and unfair that the work of these dedicated officers
often goes unnoticed because of the publicity given to discreditable acts of
some rogue officers who cross the line, preferring to indulge in unlawful
activities. In the course of this year, unethical behaviors of some officers have
also come to light. While some of these conducts were driven by the selfish aim
of attracting personal benefits, others were meant to cast slur on the character
of fellow comrades and the organization.

At this juncture, I would remind you that, as Ag. Commissioner of Police, I

would expect the highest standards of professionalism and discipline from all
our officers. I would also look forward for exemplary conducts from
commanders, who should be role models, lead, and inspire their juniors to
perform to the best of their abilities.

Our quest towards excellence should not be distracted by dishonorable

conducts of some disgruntled officers, who put their interests before that of the
organisation and the community we are called upon to serve. These
reprehensible acts not only sully the image of the MPF, but also sap the morale
of other officers. I wish to point out that breaches of discipline will not be
tolerated, and defaulters will be severely sanctioned.

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 Contrastingly, hardworking and
disciplined staff will be justly
motivated and supported. I would,
therefore, urge all our officers to always
remain on the righteous path, stay loyal to the organisation, and demonstrate
high level of commitment and dedication to duty. I trust that individual
display of professionalism will bolster our image as a legitimate police service
worthy of public trust, confidence and emulation.

Dear officers,

We are on the eve of the New Year and the festive period is looming near. I
seize this opportunity to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a
Happy New Year 2022.

However, since all the end of year activities will be taken place during the
pandemic, I would advise that whatever your plans may be, your safety and
that of your dear ones must be at the forefront.

May God bless us All.

Long Live the Mauritius Police Force.

A. K. Dip, PMSM
Ag. Commissioner of Police

23rd December 2021

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