By JOEL BAILEY Saturday, January 26 2008

A FINAL decision is yet to be made on the position of the Police football team in the 2008 Pro League, which is scheduled to begin in April.

Last Thursday, Police Commissioner Trevor Paul declared that all officers, including those who participate in national sporting competitions, will be recalled to active duty as the Service bids to boost their manpower in the fight against spiralling crime.

Veteran coach Muhammad Isa, technical director of Police FC, was cautiously optimistic that a positive solution can be met between the commissioner and the footballers.

“A lot of talks are taking place and I probably wouldn’t be able to say anything until early next week,” said Isa yesterday “The management team was trying to liaise with Mr Paul.

“What we can do is keep our fingers crossed until the topic comes up next week,” he added.

In a media release on Friday last, Paul was quoted as saying, “the crime situation is unacceptable and we need all police officers on board to combat (the situation).

“Whilst I maintain the view that all stakeholders need to join us in the fight against crime, the Police Service has its part to play, and we must ensure that the actual strength of the Service is at its optimum to effectively battle with the crime situation,” Paul continued. “We all need to put our country first.”

The Commissioner said the involvement of hundreds of police officers in external sporting competitions meant that some police stations were below strength, meaning that citizens were being denied quality police service.

“This infuriated an already enraged public,” Paul noted. “Their cries have not gone unheard, and we are attempting to attend to them.”

Officers who are keen on participating in, or representing teams in external sporting competitions are advised by the Commissioner to do so on their spare time, and not when required for duty.