The recent death of a man while in police custody has brought to light the urgent need for enhanced facilities at police stations, according to Home Affairs Minister Pio Tikoduadua. He emphasized that improving the infrastructure, especially by having adequate holding cells, is essential to ensure the safety of individuals in custody.
Minister Tikoduadua stated, “To protect people, we need to build that infrastructure. We also need to ensure proper facilities, such as proper cells, are in place.” He mentioned that the unfortunate incident could have been averted with more appropriate holding arrangements at the station.
The minister reassured that this incident is currently under investigation by the police, urging that the investigative process must be respected. He noted that the officers should not be held accountable for the man’s death, attributing the issue to the confined spaces and urging the need for a secure environment for all individuals in custody.
Furthermore, he highlighted the necessity of training law enforcement personnel to recognize potential dangers and safe handling of individuals within the station to prevent such tragedies. Minister Tikoduadua pointed out that he lacks the specifics of the case but acknowledged reports regarding the conditions and mental state of the deceased.
This situation underscores the importance of ongoing education and awareness within the police force, advocating for a systemic approach to enhance both infrastructure and training moving forward. By addressing these issues proactively, the police can work towards creating safer environments for those in their custody while fostering trust within the community.
Overall, there is hope that with these calls for improvement, future incidents can be prevented, promoting a more effective and humane policing system.
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