The Commission recommends PDRM to practise prior investigation before any arrest.
The report of the Royal Commission to Enhance the Operation and Management of
PDRM (Royal Commission)1 has proposed that IO have to establish reasonable
grounds before making arrest and adapt a proactive investigation. This will shorten the
period of detainees being in the lock-up and avoid the remand request without
reasonable justification. The Commission also advises PDRM to use modern devices
and technology in order to assist the investigation and minimize the direct contact with
detainees.
4. Rights and welfare of PDRM officers and personnel
The Commission finds the working surroundings and facilities available at the office
are not productive to assist daily tasks of PDRM personnel. Officers and personnel
are vulnerable to dangerous infectious diseases and the diseases are detrimental to
their safety when performing the duties. There is no doubt that PDRM personnel incharge are trained to face difficulties however it is not comparable with unconducive,
unsafe, and dirty working place which demotivate them and build up their stress. This
matter can affect their treatment towards detainees and it can lead to unwanted
incidents.
5. Cooperation between agencies
Cooperation between agencies is important in effectively handling the detainees
including providing facilities in detention and healthcare of detainees. More attention
and further treatment should be given on high risk detainees (like drug addiction,
mental illness and others) to avoid any unfortunate incidents. Every party should assist
the police in carrying out their duties especially in supervising the detainees which
requires the best cooperation model.
This report is presented so that the highest administration of PDRM and the
Government will take measures on decreasing deaths in police custody and examining
the proposed recommendations.The report also emphasizes the importance of
1
Report of the Royal Commission to Enhance the Operation and Management of PDRM, 2005 pp 248-250