Africa-Press – Angola. The Benguela provincial commander of the National Police, Commissioner Aristófanes dos Santos, announced Wednesday, the construction of eight new police stations in coastal municipalities, to guarantee greater public security and proximity service to citizens.
These are the municipalities of Benguela and Lobito, which will have three new police stations each, and Catumbela with two.
According to Aristófanes dos Santos, who spoke during the event commemorating the 48th anniversary of the Angolan National Police, which today marks, with the entry into operation of these units, Benguela and Lobito, the most populated in the province, will now have eight each and that of Catumbela with four.
“The aim is, therefore, to provide a more energetic response to the problems that afflict citizens in the area of crime, as well as providing greater security for citizens,” he said.
Aristófanes dos Santos said that these infrastructures will emerge to restore the feeling of tranquility of residents and combat actions that endanger their property and physical integrity, transmitting a feeling of insecurity.
He pointed out the municipalities of Benguela, Lobito, Catumbela and Cubal, as those that most concern the police authorities in terms of crime.
Accordingly, Aristófanes dos Santos revealed that, in the first two months of 2024, 595 various crimes were registered, of which 311 cases were clarified, culminating in the arrest of 328 alleged criminals, although there was a 43.9% reduction in crime compared to the same period of the previous year.
In the field of road accidents, he announced that, in the same period, 135 road accidents were recorded, causing 26 deaths and 215 serious and minor injuries.
The official commissioner revealed that, in the field of road safety, the PN launched body cameras for traffic regulatory agents in coastal cities, aiming to improve the relationship between the police and the citizen, the results of which have pointed to a reduction in interpellations abusive actions, excesses in action and prevention of acts of bribery or active and passive corruption.
He stated, on the other hand, that these cameras will also make it possible to safeguard the protection of officers against false reports of bad behavior and other practices that discredit police activity, of which they have been the subject of complaints.
However, the commissioner expressed concern about some cases of indiscipline within the corporation.
“During the year ended, 2023, 864 disciplinary infractions were recorded, which allowed the opening of 378 investigation processes, resulting in the demotion of 13 employees and the dismissal of seven others, due to bad behavior”, he said.
Aristófanes dos Santos considers security challenges at the province level to be continuing to train personnel for the proper protection and security of the State’s strategic objectives, with emphasis on the Lobito Corridor, the future facilities of the Lobito Refinery, as well as the photovoltaic plants Biópio and Baía Farta.
Meanwhile, within the scope of the anniversary, the Provincial Government of Benguela praises, in a message sent, the leadership of the Provincial Command of the National Police for the “patriotic spirit and mission in the integral leadership of the corporation”.
The note highlights the Command’s efforts to improve the social and working conditions of its staff.
The document also highlights “the commitment of the staff who, over the years, continue to do their best, making many sacrifices, because they understand that the well-being of Benguelenses and beyond depends on this arduous and noble mission”.
The government urges the PN to continue to perform its role with pride and professionalism, effectively and efficiently demonstrating techniques for combating crime, and providing public order and tranquility.
The commemorative event was marked by the imposition of ranks on 500 staff, promoted to the ranks of sub-chief sub-inspectors and inspectors.
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