Err.. increase pay for them as well.. to prevent
corruption??
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Ex-inspector fined for accepting freebies
Leong Wee Keat
[email protected]
A FORMER senior station inspector was fined $1,500 on Friday after
he pleaded guilty to conducting himself in ways prejudicial to the
good order and discipline of the police force.
.
Ko Poh Koon, a 27-year veteran of the force, accepted $2,000 worth
of free dinner and entertainment from businessmen Albert Teo and
Joseph Teo while he was attached to the Secret Societies Branch of
the Criminal Investigation Department.
.
He was treated to dinner and nightclub entertainment between May
and June 2004 for the "police protection" of the Teos' Nigerian
business associates, and for help and information on police
matters.
.
Originally charged under the Prevention of Corruption Act, Ko, 49,
was given a reprieve when the charges were reduced, falling within
the Police Force Act.
.
Under the latter, the maximum penalty he faced for each charge was
a fine not exceeding $500 or three months' jail or both.
.
In Ko's mitigation plea on Friday, lawyer Shashi Nathan argued that
Ko "never corruptly accepted any gratification" and never benefited
financially. Ko also did not compromise his duties or position as a
police officer, nor caused any harm or detriment to police
investigators.
.
Ko had joined the police force in 1976 before he retired in 2003.
He was later re-employed by the force, and his services were
terminated in January 2005.
Leong Wee Keat
[email protected]
