ST. PHILEMON'S CORNER

   Every true profession is associated and identified with certain conducts of professionalism. At the training in any profession, everyone employed is familiarized and well tutored with the DOs and DONTs of such person’s profession. Hence we speak of professional ethics and conducts.

   Going by this therefore, exhibition of unprofessional attitudes question the morality and integrity of individuals in such circumstances. For instance, there will definitely be a moral confrontation of a teacher’s integrity been caught writing examinations for a candidate.

   Today, the story we are hearing and the ones witnessing in the Police Force raise such confrontational questions challenging their professionalism. We are being faced day-to-day with unprofessional display, unqualified individuals [even though, they are considered competent] and there immoral attitudes.

   It is a widely known fact that any policeman standing or walking around in uniform can not converse in simple English Language. He would rather address you harshly in unpolite manners in Pidgin English. Due to such behaviors, everyone prays not to encounter any of them across the road or elsewhere. It is so embarrassing to see a policeman who can not differentiate between a certificate and curriculum vitaé.

   In dressing and uniform, it is believed to be government’s fault in providing descent uniform with quality fabrics. But does that mean it is the same government’s duty for daily appearance? Every known professionals dress up in a descent and acceptable manners equal to the standard of their profession! What do we say to a policeman whose uniform looks dirty like rags, with bushy hair, unbrushed teeth and unpolished shoes? Why do many of them love to appear in mufty after wearing uniform? Other would rather choose to appear in slippers (especially the females among them). Certainly, these are not included in government’s responsibilities!

   Witness to these unethical attitudes makes one to ask questions such as; who is qualified to be a police? Is there a minimum academic qualification before enrolling into the force? Is this minimum qualification an acceptable standard when compared with other professions?

   Fighting crimes in this type of the world requires high level intelligence, discipline and strict adherence to codes of conducts of professional standards. Can we say so of Police Force?

  In all honesty, a simple survey to find out from the majority of citizens will generate millions of questions, challenging the integrity of their professionalism. Answers to those questions might help us understand why the job is no longer enviable for anyone to build career on.