Boot camp for idle police

PATTAYA: There has long been debate about whether criminals can ever be reformed, and about the most effective methods to change their antisocial habits. But when those responsible for protecting society from the lawless need straightening out, there’s little question of what needs to be done – at least in the mind of Pol Lt Col Sakrapee Preawpanich, Deputy Superintendent of the Crime Division at Pattaya Police Station. Tired of his subordinates’ laziness, Col Sakrapee summoned six officers on June 11 and hauled them over the coals. First, he chastised them, in front of the clicking cameras of the press, for taking too many days off and for showing up late for roll call. Then Col Sakrapee ordered Pol Capt Kanond Meesawat to take the lazy lawmen through some basic training, which included push-ups, marching, running and firing and cleaning rifles. Finally came the lecture. Col Sakrapee said it was inappropriate for police officers to skip their routine jobs to do other business. He warned that slacking off and insubordination could result in officers being suspended – or even jailed.