Thoughts, feelings and emotions that hopefully provoke the purest of minds...Capturing thoughts through written words is like a capturing pictures on film.
I find it very interesting and embarrassing to discuss about the different police stories that I have witnessed living and working in Cambodia.
Police in general does not have good reputation in Cambodia due to the simple fact that corruptions are rampant amongst law enforcement agents.
The police has the mandate to enforce, serve and protect citizens from dangerous situations that may arise from various threats; but most often times the police agents are seen abetting criminals and criminal elements in a culture of impunity.
Given that policemen are underpaid; there seemed to be tendencies like any other civil servants in Cambodia to resort to other ways to earn quick bucks for a living.
It is laughable and pathetic to see policemen stopping motorists for various traffic violations then extort money from people.
The irony is that most traffic policemen are powerless to stop those rich and powerful individuals who commit gross traffic violations such as speeding, crossing red light, driving in opposite direction in broad day light right in front of their eyes.
The people that have been hit hard most are those poor people from the provinces who are commuting daily to Phnom Penh to sell things...These people are the lifeline of a growing economy yet most vulnerable. They are law abiding yet scared of the police. They do not want to get into argument with police nor get in trouble with the laws. Unfortunately, they become the most wanted on the traffic police's radar.
When the traffic police whistles for the general motorists to stop; they will stop. Most of times, those innocent victims are held on the road side until money exchanged hand without any kind of documentation of their wrong doings.
You may have seen what I just saw, not too long ago? A commercial truck rolling by..that truck was carrying some coconuts. If you observe from a distance, you can see one hand sticking out of the window on the passenger side of the truck with the palm face down tightly gripped. The truck slowly moves forward, the policeman steps up with his hand raised just enough to touch the palm of the guy in the truck; in a touch and go motion, split second, a deal is made. It does not matter what the truck is carrying or how heavy it is...a deal is done in the most concealed yet opened to all to be seen.
We all kind of accept that it is a way of life. If any thing is to be done properly, they should be done from the smallest of things such as these corruptive and petty acts.
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