A screenshot of a video which allegedly captured a police officer ‘taunting’ a ‘tired’ Sok Touch. Supplied
Following a late-night altercation with a senior official from the Royal Academy of Cambodia at an alcohol breathtesting checkpoint in Phnom Penh, two senior police officers have been relieved of patrol duties until further notice.
The two officers were disciplined for violating the code of conduct of the Cambodian National Police after being involved in a confrontation with Sok Touch, president of the academy, during an attempted breath test in the capital’s Sen Sok district.
According to a February 18 order issued by Deputy National Police Chief and Phnom Penh Police Chief General Chuon Narin, which was made public today, the two officers have been ordered to be present at the personnel office under the Human Resources Planning Division during working hours until further notice.
The two officers are Lieutenant Colonel Heang Thoeun, deputy police chief of Sen Sok district and Lieutenant Meas Phearom, a Special Intervention Force Officer under the Intervention and Disciplinary Enforcement Office.
On February 20, Narin reiterated that officers enforcing traffic laws and alcohol inspections must conduct their duties in a strict, professional manner.
He reminded them that their primary duty is to protect public property, lives, public order and national security, noting that this includes conducting firearms and explosive checks at designated locations.
The police chief emphasised that officers must adhere to the highest ethical standards and maintain the discipline and dignity that befits the national police.
He also reminded them that all operations must follow the correct legal and procedural measures.
“Any officers who are found to be neglecting their duties, lacking discipline or violating police ethical and professional standards will be strictly disciplined, without exception,” he declared.
The National Police Human Resources Planning Office is currently conducting an internal investigation into the conduct of the officers involved in the Sen Sok checkpoint incident, with the inquiry nearing completion.
Narin noted that officers who perform their duties with professionalism, discipline and integrity will be recognised, rewarded and supported.
He called on the public to support law enforcement efforts by cooperating with the authorities to help maintain public order and national security, as well as protect lives and property.
