In an effort to present a “softer” (?) approach to law enforcement, the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) has rolled out an all-female traffic police team to conduct roadblocks. And it’s called TWEET.
TWEET – which stands for the Traffic Women Estimable Enforcement Team – comprises of six female officers, the first of its kind in Malaysia.
Petaling Jaya traffic police chief Deputy Superintendent Mohamad Roy Suhaimi Sarif said fielding a team of women police officers to run roadblocks may psychologically improve and defuse the situation on the ground.
“We have had complaints that perhaps male officers were too aggressive or intimidated motorists while some motorists refused to cooperate, even when officers just wanted to give them a warning, rather than a summons. They reacted defensively or tried to instigate officers.
“This doesn’t lead to very professional enforcement,” he said, as reported by Nicholas Cheng of The Star Online.
“This is also an image improvement for the unit. PJ as an urban area sees less difference between men and women, and we can reflect that.”
TWEET also serves to provide field experience for women officers in Mohamad Roy’s unit, most of whom had previously been confined to desk jobs.
“Most female officers get stuck with administrative work and don’t get the chance to be out in the field. If this team is successful, we can request for more women to try out for enforcement work,” he said.
One male officer would be fielded along with the TWEET squad as they carry out their duties in the field, in case motorists turn aggressive at roadblocks.
TWEET leader Inspector Hariati Hamdan, said the idea of behind the new team seems to already be proving itself.
“Some motorists were surprised that we were all women. However, they seemed more open to admit their offences and talk with us,” she said.
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