Why did 44 police firearms go missing between 2010 and 2012?

Question

Accepted Answer

44 Police Firearms Lost Between 2010 and 2012 Due to Various Incidents, Not at Sea

A total of 44 firearms were reported missing from the police inventory between 2010 and 2012. The losses occurred due to a range of circumstances, including theft from police vehicles, robbery and snatch theft incidents involving officers, weapons being misplaced during duty, and even being lost within office premises. These missing weapons, identified as pistols and revolvers which fall under the category of light weapons, contributed to a larger loss of police assets valued at RM1.33 million over the three-year period, as detailed in the Auditor-General's 2012 report.
Incidents of Loss Varied Widely

The reasons provided for the disappearance of these firearms were diverse and often mundane, contradicting earlier suggestions that some might have been lost at sea. Official records indicate that guns were lost in toilets, stolen when thieves broke into police cars where firearms were left unattended, and taken from officers during robberies or snatch thefts. Furthermore, some weapons were simply misplaced while officers were on duty or lost within the confines of their offices, highlighting a broad spectrum of accountability lapses.
Only a Fraction of Missing Firearms Recovered

Out of the 44 firearms that went missing between 2010 and 2012, only seven have been successfully recovered. This recovery rate suggests significant challenges in tracking and retrieving lost equipment. The Auditor-General's report also pointed to broader issues with the management of missing assets within the police force during this period, noting delays in reporting losses and subsequent actions.
Value of Lost Firearms Not Specified

While the Auditor-General's 2012 report identified the loss of 44 firearms as part of RM1.33 million in lost police assets over three years, the specific monetary value of these missing weapons was not provided. The Home Ministry indicated that the cost of each firearm varied considerably based on the manufacturer, making a precise total valuation for the lost guns impossible to ascertain from the available information.
Systemic Improvements Underway

In response to these losses, the police's information technology division has been developing a new framework to monitor and record all instances of missing police assets. This system is designed to track an asset from the point of loss through to the final disciplinary action taken against any responsible officer. The new system was expected to be operational by November 2013, aiming to improve the management and oversight of police equipment and enhance accountability for any future disappearances.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

Why did 44 police firearms go missing between 2010 and 2012?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends