Security analyst Adib Saani has advised the public against obstructing police investigations or resisting arrest, even if they believe the arrest to be unlawful.
Speaking on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Saani categorically stated that civilians must desist from resisting apprehension or interfering with police duties.
He warned that such acts constitute a criminal offence, and individuals involved face arrest and prosecution for the obstruction of justice.
His remarks were prompted by the recent interdiction of eight police officers involved in a fatal shooting incident at Sefwi Sayerano, located in the Juaboso District of the Western North Region.
Commenting on the development, Saani indicated that interdicting the officers was the best course of action whilst the police probe the matter.
However, he expressed concern over the manner in which civilians obstructed the officers from carrying out their lawful duties.
He stressed that individuals have no right to impede officers, reiterating that doing so amounts to a criminal offence. Instead of resisting, Saani advised anyone facing arrest to cooperate with the police, noting that the best course of action is to remain silent and contact a solicitor.
Meanwhile, Adib Saani also emphasised that lethal force should only be deployed as a last resort when less harmful options have failed and an immediate threat exists.
He questioned whether the officers involved had exhausted less harmful alternatives before discharging their weapons, or if firearms were their initial option, making the current probe extremely important.
He maintained that if the police are found culpable, they should be dealt with appropriately, urging the police service to be more circumspect in its activities.
He explained that tactical withdrawal is always a viable option in police operations.
Officers can either call for backup or temporarily withdraw from an operation, as it is rarely necessary to execute an arrest at all costs.
This approach, he argued, should be applied when crowds become violent, allowing the police to enforce the arrest at a later time when the suspects are more vulnerable.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana