24 May 2013 - Boosting their skills at controlling traffic and handling accidents, UNMISS has trained dozens of national and Central Equatoria State police, who graduated today in Juba.

"This training has enhanced our traffic control management skills, especially the need of taking necessary measures for victim assistance during traffic accidents," Colonel Machar Gai, South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS) traffic control officer, said at the closing ceremony of the three-week course.

Topics covered in the training, which drew 53 officers, included accident reporting, police response mechanisms, community policing, minimizing force against civilians, and alerting suspects before their arrest.

Police Sargeant Aduok Ajack said the training was vital for SSNPS traffic police as they were ill-equipped to handle traffic. Previously, he had difficulties directing traffic as well as identifying suspects and complainants.

"Now, if I find an accident on the way," he said, "I can investigate and collect clear information from the parties involved in the accident."

Col. Gai called on all drivers to follow traffic rules and regulations while on the road, which would help reduce accidents on Juba's narrow streets.