The head of the oft-criticized Municipal Traffic Police Department has traded places with the head of the Municipal Anti-Terrorism Bureau in a shake-up described as standard procedure by officials on Sunday.
At a ceremony at the Municipal Police Headquarters on Friday, it was announced that Tin Prasoeur, director of the anti-terrorism bureau, would trade places with Kim Yidet of the traffic police, and both are expected to begin in their new positions today.
Contacted Sunday, both Tin Prasoeur and Kim Yidet said the move was normal, but did not provide further explanation.
Kim Yidet said he was not disappointed with the swap, and added that he did not know how to evaluate his track record after three years as traffic police chief.
He noted that the number of traffic accidents had gone up in recent years, a development he blamed on people not respecting the traffic laws. Kim Yidet also had praise for his officers.
“Some people just criticize our police. I really feel pity on my officers. They work very hard,” he added.
He added that he had several years of experience working with internal security issues within the municipality, which he hopes will qualify him for the new anti-terrorism position.
Tin Prasoeur said working with the traffic police department would be complicated, but added that he had some relevant experience from his time as Russei Keo district police chief.
He also vowed to try to improve the image of his new department.
“I will examine and make changes in the ethics, speech and discipline of the traffic police. Our highest priority is the image of the nation,” he said.
President of the Center for Social Development Chea Vannath said the credibility of the traffic police is extremely low.
“I hope things will improve because complaints about the [traffic police’s] behavior is everywhere. I hope they take this opportunity to make things better,” she said.
