The Police Fraud Investigation Bureau (PFIB) has commenced an investigation on seven OICs who do not respond to telephone calls from members of the general public who have been trying to give information on criminal activities.
The PFIB has commenced investigations following instructions from IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon.
The IGP has received complaints that many OICs have not picked up their phones on a regular basis when people call to provide tip-offs or to update them on emergencies.
The police communications range had initiated an investigation into these complaints.
Following an investigation, which covered all nine provinces, the police found that OICs in Buttala, Thamabalagamuwa, Thirikkovil, China Bay, Katupotha, Wennappuwa and Wadduwa have never picked up their official mobile phones.
The PFIB has commenced investigations following this discovery and severe disciplinary action is to be taken against these officials.
The IGP told The Island that it’s the duty of the OICs to answer calls they received on their service phone. Those who do not respond to public phone calls, which may contain valuable tip-offs, do not deserve to be OICs, he said.
The IGP also asked members of the public to lodge complaints that if OICs in their area do not pick up thier calls on a regular basis.