Phnom Penh police chief Chuon Narin has instructed the police forces of each of the capital’s 14 districts to crack down on the behaviour of wayward delinquent youths.

Civil society organisations and education consultants supported his call, but stressed that it must be implemented within legal boundaries.

Narin, who also serves as Deputy National Police Chief, issued the instruction during a November 13 meeting with the Prek Pnov district police.

During the meeting, he noted that following the most recent crack downs, anti-social behaviour had declined. However, he had observed a recent spike in incidents caused by young gangs, which has resulted in serious problems for street vendors and others on the capital’s roads at night. He was concerned about the impact on the whole society.

“These ‘gangsters’ may cause members of the public to be fearful, and could have a serious effect on public order. We must take decisive action across the capital, and at all times of the day,” he said, via social media. 

“In addition, specialised anti-drug forces must seek out drug offenders and eliminate their behaviour, in order to ensure the public feel secure. Drug offenses have made people fearful and affect the implementation of the safe village-commune policy,” he added.

Narin instructed all officers behave honestly and professionally, and specifically reminded them that they were not to become involved in drug offenses or any other offending. 

“Police officers must observe the law and adhere to the discipline expected of members of the National Police. This includes strictly observing all regulations and procedures while conducting their professional duties,” he said.

Phnom Penh municipal police spokesman Sam Vichheka could not be reached for comment on November 14.

Am Sam Ath, operations director at rights group LICADHO, noted on November 14 that the authorities have a role to play in maintaining safety and public order, without intimidating the people. 

“As a civil society organisation, we are strongly against the perpetrators of crimes – especially ‘gangsters’ – and ask that legal action be taken against those individuals who break the law,” he said.

However, he requested that the authorities not employ violence or torture on offenders. Their treatment must be in accordance with the law, adding that this was especially true of young offenders.

“Law enforcement should never mean violating people’s rights. The law states that children under the age of 14 may not be arrested or detained. Other appropriate measures should be taken, whether returning them to their parents or sending them to an educational rehabilitation centre,” he said.

Chhit Bunthong, director of the Royal Academy of Cambodia’s Institute of Cultural Relations, Education and Tourism, expressed his support for strict measures that would strengthen public order and reduce anti-social behaviour.

He believed that regular crack downs should be made, as this kind of delinquent behaviour is difficult to eliminate completely.

“It is necessary that the police focus on the prevention and control of ‘gangsters’, because they keep appearing in many social groups and situations. Currently, educating and parenting children is very difficult, owing to the influence of drugs and foreign culture,” he said.

He also suggested that teachers and parents work together to educate their children so they do not follow the wrong path and become delinquents. Young people should be made aware of the detrimental effect of such behaviour on society, as well as their families.