The National Capital District (NCD) and Central Province Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Benjamin Turi, has confirmed that a police officer captured in a viral social media photo has been identified and disciplined.

The photo, which circulated widely online, showed the officer in full uniform and visibly intoxicated while allowing a peer to pose with an official police firearm.

Commander Turi clarified that although the photo recently gained traction, it was an older image. He was first notified of the incident last month and immediately ordered an investigation.

The officer has since been brought in for questioning and dealt with according to the department's disciplinary protocols.

“We are hard on police officers who step out of line,” said the ACP.

“So far, we have arrested and charged more than ten police officers this year who have committed different offenses and this case was no exception.”

“Those who were involved in accidents with police vehicles were also investigated.”

“We want to maintain command and control, so the new recruits who will be graduating in the future must know that the police is a disciplined organization.”

“We appreciate the public tagging us in photos of undisciplined officers. We are taking note of all these and are dealing with them.”

In addition, Commander Turi said his command had also taken steps to breathalyze police officers, which the Internal Affairs Directorate officers are in charge of conducting it.

He stated that they had visited police stations to test police officers who are on duty, including the police drivers. They are being tested for drugs and alcohol.

The first test around the police stations in the command is to inform the police officers that they will be charged if they are caught drunk while on duty or consuming drugs while on duty.

He noted that with the increasing number of police vehicles involved in accidents, the machines donated to the command will be used to test drivers when they are on duty or are involved in accidents.

While commending the police and the community for always reporting police officers who are stepping out of line, he also called on the public to respect police officers when performing their duties.

He urged citizens to cooperate if approached by an officer, even if the officer is alone or unarmed.

He stated that individuals suspected of an offense must stop, listen, and avoid resisting arrest, noting that when both parties cooperate, the potential for crime and conflict is significantly reduced.