The police administration has defended the decision to transfer of all personnel of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Accra Regional Police Command to other regions. The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Paul Tawiah Quaye, who called for the transfer, further ordered the Regional Command to audit all robbery dockets in the last two years to ascertain the status of the cases. “The order forms part of the exercise by the Police Administration to re-organise the department and inject more professionalism into its work,” the Daily Graphic newspaper reports. The Director of Police Public Relations, DSP Kwesi Ofori, confirmed the directive to Joy News and reiterated that it was a shakeup to overhaul the service. He cited the case of Prince Owiredu Bitihene of the CID who allegedly released Rauf Abass, a hardened criminal, on police enquiry bail without due recourse to the law. Bitihene is also to be charged as an accomplice in armed robbery. “This is part of the overall grand agenda planned as far as reorganization and making the technical wing of the service, that is the CID more effective and efficient,” DSP kwesi Ofori said. Bithihene’s action, he remarked: “Has done a considerable damage to the service and he (IGP) has even directed that (his case) be investigated and where there are infractions that borders on criminality, nothing should stop the police from prosecuting him.” He however maintained that not all the officers being transferred have flouted laid down regulations of the service. “They are professionals; it is also part of the strategic direction policy of the police administration to organize frequent programmes; in addition they would be working under different commanders and may be subjected to supervision and direction.” Story by Isaac Essel/Myjoyonline.com