Outgoing Police Chief says to guard against crime and drugs

Chief of Police (COP), Brigadier Kipchu Namgyel, officially handed over the office to Additional Chief of Police (ACOP), Colonel Chimi Dorji on June 27.

He was appointed as the Chief on 19 April 2008, after having served in RBP for 36 years in various capacities, and was promoted to the rank of Brigadier by His Majesty The King on 18 September 2009.

“The greatest satisfaction I had, during my tenure as COP, is the support, trust and confidence that I had from the public and youth upon me. I would request them to continue the same thing with the next subsequent Chief of Police,” said Brigadier Kipchu Namgyel.

He joined the Royal Bhutan Police (RBP)  in March 1980, after his fourth attempt to be a police officer. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Arts from Chandigarh, Punjab and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in January 1981.

The Chief voiced his concern on the rising number of crimes which is the challenge for everybody, he said.

The Brigadier also emphasized his concern on an increasing number of drug related issues. The 2016 figure as of June 24 June shows that 1,611 people were apprehended for drug related issues out of which 55 percent are the youth and remaining is of other categories.

Brigadier Kipchu Namgyel said that RBP will continue with the drugs crackdown operation, and there will be now no mercy on those who are involved in drug trafficking or those who are under possession of any kind of drugs.

“When it comes to drugs, there is no two way about it and (RBP) will not be lenient,” he added.

As Chief, he was instrumental in strengthening the capacity of RBP, by introducing various programs and activities in policing, and improving the morale of the police personnel. He was awarded two consecutive extensions by HM for his performance as the Chief.

Enhancement of technical tools for the police, preparing for the road ahead, building bridges, awards and certifications are some programs initiated under him.

The Brigadier said, “Whatever initiative I have been taking, is not my initiative, but it is the initiative of His Majesty The King, which we have implemented. What I have achieved today is not my success, but it is purely “Soelra” from the Throne.”

As he turns 61 this year, he said that he is satisfied with what he has managed to achieve.

“I never knew I could play a very important role in my life and was moved with positive feedback from the public and the support I got from the public,”  he said.

He also developed a New Charge Sheet System as a part of investigation report to be submitted to court by police during his tenure.

As for any noted failures or regrets during his career, Brigadier said, “Failure is a part of life, but I won’t say I have succeeded in everything, as much as I remember, no major task or project had failed.”

The Police Chief in his early days had a stormy relationship with the media but that improved over time. He was also seen as being a stern and top down person but again this was overshadowed by the many achievements of the force under him.

He said he will continue to support and help contribute to the society and nation even after his retirement.

Brigadier Kipchu Namgyel has been awarded with various decorations and awards in his career.