If you ask traffic department officials who devised the so-called “secret traffic police” and what were the reasons behind such a system, what kind of answer do you expect to get?
I doubt whether the answer will convince anyone. This unique system was introduced with the declared objective that it would help curb chaotic driving by allowing undercover officers to register violations and track down reckless motorists.
Resorting to this kind of covert action to govern the streets is testimony to the failure of a traffic system that employs uniformed officers who are easily recognized by everybody.
Was it a failure due to incompetence on the part of these officers? Was it a failure due to lack of equipment and technical support? Or was it the result of the inability of the system itself to make people respect the law?
For some violators, a short telephone call secures their release from police custody within minutes, even if they have committed a serious offense. These individuals are always exempt from punishment for reasons known to all. But what about those without influence or connections who have no one to intervene on their behalf? If this is how the law is being enforced, what is the use of introducing a new system — the secret traffic police — when violators know if they are arrested, they will be released only minutes later?
The transparency we keep talking about calls for discipline and for enforcing the law so that no one is above it. Regulations are made to be obeyed, and those enforcing them should ensure that this is done correctly and fairly. Otherwise we will see only the powerlessness of those assigned to apply these laws.
The irresponsible, the inconsiderate and the pleasure-seeking have never been known to care about the law or to show respect to law enforcement officers, whether they work openly or secretly.
Arab News From the Local Press 2 July 2003
