8 April 2014 - By training and logistically supporting South Sudanese police, UN Police (UNPOL) was making a key contribution to sustainable peace, Warrap State Deputy Commissioner of Police said recently in Tonj South County.

Brigadier Garang Malong Koor was speaking at the end of a week-long training workshop in basic crime investigation organized for South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS) officers in the state.

Some 30 SSNPS officers, including six women, attended the training, which was aimed at improving their capacity in conducting proper investigations and promoting rule of law and justice for all.

“Some of the things taught here during this week are new and very important for the officers to (be aware of as they) discharge their duties,” he said, describing the police as the first line of justice.

Brig. Koor urged officers to continually seek new knowledge, noting that professionalism and due service to the state’s people was a “recipe for genuine peace in the country”.

“This is a worthy human resource investment and development,” said 2^nd Lt. Maria Agok Mapal. “We will put to practice techniques learned.”

UNPOL State Advisor Haiping Zhu, who donated two still cameras to Tonj South and Tonj East police authorities, pledged that his section would provide more training in future.

“The mission is committed to helping you serve your people better,” he said. “All that is required of you is your dedication.”

UNPOL also provided two-day training for seven officers from the criminal investigation department of the police force in the state capital Kuajok.