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Commissioner of Police (Brunei)

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Commissioner of Police
Pesuruhjaya Polis Diraja Brunei
ڤسوروحجاي ڤوليس دراج بروني
Emblem of the Royal Brunei Police Force
Incumbent
Irwan Hambali
since 4 March 2021
Royal Brunei Police Force
StyleYang Mulia
TypeCommissioner of Police
Member ofAdat Istiadat Council
Reports toMinister of Home Affairs
SeatRoyal Brunei Police Force Headquarters, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
AppointerHassanal Bolkiah
as Sultan of Brunei
Term lengthAt His Majesty's pleasure
Constituting instrumentConstitution of Brunei
Inaugural holderAllen Neil Outram
Formation29 September 1959

The Commissioner of Police (Malay: Pesuruhjaya Polis Diraja Brunei; Jawi: ڤسوروحجاي ڤوليس دراج بروني), established in 1959, leads the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) under the Sultan of Brunei's authority, delegating duties as needed and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations across ranks. The role includes managing appointments, promotions, and disciplinary actions, with the power to impose sanctions and handle appeals. Additionally, the commissioner oversees unclaimed property at police stations, either returning it to owners or allocating it to police funds if unclaimed. Through these responsibilities, the commissioner maintains order, accountability, and effective administration within the force.

History

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1909–1959

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H.G. Crummy was the Brunei Police Force's (PPB) first chief police officer (CPO), having assumed the position in 1909. His appointment signalled the start of the state's British-led policing initiatives, which brought in foreign experts to maintain peace and order.[1] Other British officers held the CPO post in the next years, and under their direction, the administrative framework of the police force progressively changed. In addition to maintaining peace and order, the CPO's duties at this time included building Brunei's police force and educating new recruits. However, long into the middle of the 20th century, there was still a reliance on British commanders due to a lack of suitable local candidates.[2]

The Straits Settlements Police Force was no longer directly in charge of the PPB, which became a completely separate entity between 1921 and 1941. This change came when the Brunei State Assembly passed the 1920 Police Force Enactment, which established the framework for a distinct police force and went into operation in 1921. Due to a lack of competent local officers for these roles, Brunei's police force remained to rely on CPOs and trained instructors imported from the Straits Settlements despite the country's formal independence.[3]

The leadership and organisational makeup of the PPB underwent substantial changes between 1942 and 1945 when Japan occupied the country. Local British officials, including Chief Inspector W. Martin, were arrested and jailed when Japanese Army soldiers took over the police. Sergeant Major Ibrahim bin Nudin served as the force's interim commander until Japanese officers could arrive. The police force was eventually commanded by Japanese officials including Watakerbey, Ochey Sang, and Eto Sang. Under their direction, they instilled aspects of Japanese culture and placed a strong emphasis on discipline and loyalty within the PPB.[4]

On 6 July 1946, the British Army handed back administrative authority to the British Resident in Brunei after World War II, returning the structure of the Brunei Police Force to its pre-war state. The Straits Settlements Police Force's Assistant Superintendent H. J. Spinks was named CPO and served as the PPB's commander from 1946 to 1949. As early as 1949, senior Sarawakian police officers were joining the PPB, and their wages were matched by the Bruneian government. To give time for financial and administrative planning, this move was made gradually.[5]

1959–present

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The PPB underwent major institutional changes on 29 September 1959, when the Brunei Constitution was adopted. The new constitution created the post of police commissioner as the head of the PPB, which was formerly headed by a CPO from the Sarawak Constabulary. The Bruneian and British governments had larger defense arrangements that included this development.[6]

Officers from the Sarawak Constabulary occupied the position from 1959 to 1975, during which time they made important improvements. Alexander John Waterfield Slater arranged responsibilities at the District Police level in 1964, while Commissioner Allen Neil Outram created a Reserve Police Force in 1961. The PPB grew, adopted contemporary training, and elevated locals to top positions under Commissioner James Burns from 1966 to 1975. During his tenure, the Marine Police Force and Women's Police were established, the Police Training Centre opened in 1968, and communication networks were improved. When Pengiran Jaya was appointed the first Bruneian police commissioner in 1975, it was a historic milestone.[7]

In the past, Brunei's police commissioners have been crucial in helping the PPB adjust to shifting political, social, and economic circumstances. In order to improve officer welfare, efficiency, and public service, each Commissioner carried out a number of measures. A Public Relations Department was established in 1988, a Village Neighborhood Watch project was started in 1989, and PEKERTI was founded in 1985 to develop police family relations under Pengiran Umar. In order to better management, Commissioner Abdul Rahman Besar reorganised the PPB's administration by establishing directorates and expanding police command zones.[8]

In order to facilitate information exchange across ASEAN police forces, Subsequent Commissioner Ya'akub Zainal introduced technology advancements for the force, including the ASEANAPOL Database, LATIS, and Police On-Line. His leadership placed a strong emphasis on providing accurate, rapid service, and he established a section to look into crimes affecting women and children. Ya'akub was replaced in 2001 by Abdul Rahman Johan, who redesigned the police uniform to represent national identification and improved criminal investigations by using the automated fingerprint identification system. In order to bring the RBPF into line with its objectives of providing high levels of public service, police commissioners have been essential change agents through these efforts.[8]

Functions

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Under the Royal Brunei Police Force Act, the Commissioner is responsible for commanding, directing, and administering the police force, following the orders of the Sultan of Brunei. The Commissioner can delegate responsibilities to deputy commissioners or senior officers, who act on the Commissioner's behalf when necessary. Additionally, the Commissioner oversees police officers across districts, ensuring compliance with regulations and laws.[9] The Commissioner manages the appointment, promotion, and discipline of senior officers, inspectors, and subordinate staff. This includes authorising appointments, suspensions, discharges, and issuing warrant cards as proof of appointment. Officers must meet service requirements, including medical exams, before starting duty, and return government-issued property upon resignation or discharge.[10]

In disciplinary matters, the Commissioner or an authorised officer can punish subordinate officers for offences such as absence without leave, insubordination, intoxication, or corrupt practices. Punishments include dismissal, demotion, fines, and other sanctions. For inspectors, the Commissioner can impose stricter penalties. Officers can appeal disciplinary decisions to the Commissioner or the Sultan, depending on rank and severity. Additionally, officers may be prosecuted in court for certain offences, and the Commissioner can convene a Committee of Enquiry to investigate incidents like injury, death, or property damage.[11] The Commissioner also handles lost or unclaimed property deposited at police stations. If claimed within three months and verified, the property is returned to the rightful owner after covering expenses and a reward for the finder. If unclaimed, the property can be sold, with proceeds allocated to the Police Fund or the Consolidated Fund, depending on the amount. The Commissioner may dispose of items with negligible value and is also responsible for notifying the Probate Officer and safeguarding unclaimed property from deceased individuals until further instructions.[12]

List of CPOs

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Symbols
  Acting police chiefs
No. Name[13] Took office Left office Time in office Monarch Ref
Straits Settlements Police Force (1909–1941)
1 H. G. Crummey 1909 1917 7–8 years Muhammad Jamalul Alam II [14]
2 G. C. McAfee 1917 1920 2–3 years
3 Farmer 1920 1920 less than a year
4 F. Mann 1920 1921 0–1 years [15]
(2) G. C. McAfee 1921 1925 3–4 years
5 A. V. Cockle 1 February 1925[16] 15 October 1925[16] 256 days Ahmad Tajuddin
(2) G. C. McAfee 1926 1928 1–2 years
6 T. E. Murphy 1928 1931 2–3 years
7 H. J. Spinks 1931 1932 0–1 years
(6) T. E. Murphy 1932 1934 1–2 years
8 T. F. Brown 1934 1935 0–1 years
(6) T. E. Murphy 1935 1937 1–2 years
(8) T. F. Brown 1937 1938 0–1 years
9 W. Dawson 1938 1940 1–2 years
10 W. Martin 1940 1941 0–1 years
Malayan Police Force (1946–1949)
1 H. J. Spinks 1946 1949 2–3 years Ahmad Tajuddin [17]
2 T. H. Allen 1948 1948 less than a year
Sarawak Constabulary (1950–1959)
1 W. Philips 1950 1950 less than a year Omar Ali Saifuddien III [17]
2 P. E. Turnbill 1950 1953 2–3 years
3 A. C. Eattel 1953 1954 0–1 years
– T. F. Stone 1954 1955 0–1 years
4 J. C. C. Kirby-Turner 1955 1956 0–1 years
6 Allen Neil Outram 1956 1957 0–1 years
7 T. S. Anderson 1957 1958 0–1 years
9 K. S. Leston-Smith 1959 1959 less than a year

List of commissioners

[edit]
Symbols
  Acting police commissioners
No. Portrait Name Took office Left office Time in office Monarch Ref
– K. S. Leston-Smith 1959 1959 less than a year Omar Ali Saifuddien III [18][18]
1 Dato Seri Pahlawan
Allen Neil Outram
(1917–2004) 		1959 1963 3–4 years Omar Ali Saifuddien III [19][18]
2 Dato Setia
Alexander Slater
(1916–2002)
Acting from 1963 		1963 12 August 1966 2–3 years Omar Ali Saifuddien III [20][18]
3 Pehin Datu Pahlawan Diraja
Dato Seri Pahlawan
James Burns
(1916–2002) 		12 August 1966 1975 8–9 years Omar Ali Saifuddien III [21][20][18]
4 Pengiran Setia Raja
Pengiran Jaya
ڤڠيرن جاي‎
(1925–2009) 		1975 1983 7–8 years Hassanal Bolkiah [22][23][18]
5 Pengiran Putera Negara
Pengiran Umar
ڤڠيرن عمر‎
(1940–2023) 		1984 1991 6–7 years Hassanal Bolkiah [24][25]
6 Dato Paduka Seri
Abdul Rahman Besar
عبدالرحمن جوهن‎ 		1991 1997 5–6 years Hassanal Bolkiah [26]
7 Dato Paduka Seri
Ya'akub Zainal
عبدالرحمن جوهن‎
(b.1941) 		11 March 1997 9 April 2001 3 years, 152 days Hassanal Bolkiah [27][28][29]
8 Dato Paduka Seri
Abdul Rahman Johan
عبدالرحمن جوهن‎
(b.1923)
Acting from 9 April 2001 		1 September 2001 1 February 2005 3 years, 153 days Hassanal Bolkiah [29][28][30]
9 Pehin Datu Kerma Setia
Dato Paduka Seri
Zainuddin Jalani
زاينوددين جالني‎
Acting from 1 February 2005 		1 July 2005 30 August 2010 5 years, 60 days Hassanal Bolkiah [30][31][32]
10 Pehin Orang Kaya Pendikar Alam
Dato Paduka Seri
Hasrin Sabtu
هسرين سبتو‎
(b.1954)
Acting from 30 August 2010 		25 February 2011 4 August 2013 2 years, 160 days Hassanal Bolkiah [33][34][32]
11 Dato Paduka Seri
Bahrin Noor
بهرين نور‎
Acting from 4 August 2013 		23 August 2013 29 May 2016 2 years, 280 days Hassanal Bolkiah [34][35]
12 Dato Paduka Seri
Jammy Shah Al-Islam
جم شاه الإسلام‎ 		29 May 2016 23 June 2019 3 years, 25 days Hassanal Bolkiah [35][36]
13 Dato Paduka Seri
Irwan Hambali
ايرون همبالي‎ 		23 June 2019 Incumbent 5 years, 152 days Hassanal Bolkiah [36][37]

References

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  1. ^ "Dari Meja Perhubungan Awam Pasukan Polis Diraja Brunei: Sejarah Pasukan Polis Diraja Brunei" (PDF). Pelita Brunei (in Malay). 30 August 2010. p. 23. Retrieved 10 October 2024.
  2. ^ Mardiah binti Haji Ramli 2017, p. 21.
  3. ^ Mardiah binti Haji Ramli 2017, p. 67.
  4. ^ Mardiah binti Haji Ramli 2017, p. 72–73.
  5. ^ Mardiah binti Haji Ramli 2017, p. 79–81.
  6. ^ Mardiah binti Haji Ramli 2017, p. 110–111.
  7. ^ Mardiah binti Haji Ramli 2017, p. 128–130.
  8. ^ a b Mardiah binti Haji Ramli 2017, p. 211–213.
  9. ^ Attorney General's Chambers 1984, p. 7–9.
  10. ^ Attorney General's Chambers 1984, p. 9–15.
  11. ^ Attorney General's Chambers 1984, p. 15–23.
  12. ^ Attorney General's Chambers 1984, p. 31–32.
  13. ^ Mardiah binti Haji Ramli 2017.
  14. ^ Mardiah binti Haji Ramli 2017, p. 13.
  15. ^ Mardiah binti Haji Ramli 2017, p. 28.
  16. ^ a b Annual Report on the State of Brunei for the Year (PDF). Brunei History Centre. 1925. p. 10.
  17. ^ a b Mardiah binti Haji Ramli 2017, p. 89.
  18. ^ a b c d e f Mardiah binti Haji Ramli 2017, p. 129.
  19. ^ Haji Abdul Majid, Dato’ Haji Harun Bin. "The Brunei Rebellion" (PDF). December 1962 the Popular Uprising: 11.
  20. ^ a b "Burns new police chief". The Straits Times. 7 September 1966. p. 2. Retrieved 10 October 2024.
  21. ^ Horton, A. V. M. (2006). "Negara Brunei Darussalam: obituaries 2006". Borneo Research Bulletin. Retrieved 10 October 2024.
  22. ^ "Death of Cheteria". www.sultanate.com. 19 October 2009. Retrieved 10 October 2024.
  23. ^ Horton, A. V. M. (2009). "Negara Brunei Darussalam: obituary 2009". Borneo Research Bulletin. Retrieved 10 October 2024.
  24. ^ Othman, Azlan (13 May 2023). "His Majesty pays respect to state dignitary". Borneo Bulletin Online. Retrieved 10 October 2024.
  25. ^ Wan Ahmadi, Wan Mohamad Sahran (21 May 2023). "Kebawah DYMM berangkat menziarahi jenazah". Pelita Brunei (in Malay). Retrieved 10 October 2024.
  26. ^ "94 ekor binatang" (PDF). Pelita Brunei (in Malay). 13 June 1992. p. 8. Retrieved 10 October 2024.
  27. ^ "Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Maharaja Kerna Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Ya'akub". Jabatan Majlis-Majlis Mesyuarat (in Malay). Retrieved 26 April 2024.
  28. ^ a b "Penetapan Jawatan P'suruhjaya Polis" (PDF). Pelita Brunei (in Malay). 31 August 2001. p. 3. Retrieved 10 October 2024.
  29. ^ a b H. A. R., Abu Bakar (9 April 2001). "Kebawah DYMM berkenan menerima mengadap" (PDF). Pelita Brunei (in Malay). p. 1. Retrieved 10 October 2024.
  30. ^ a b "Kebawah DYMM berkenan menerima mengadap" (PDF). Pelita Brunei (in Malay). 7 February 2005. p. 1. Retrieved 10 October 2024.
  31. ^ "Ditetapkan jawatan sebagai Pesuruhjaya Polis" (PDF). Pelita Brunei (in Malay). 30 June 2005. p. 7. Retrieved 10 October 2024.
  32. ^ a b "Memangku sementara jawatan Pesuruhjaya Polis Diraja Brunei" (PDF). Pelita Brunei (in Malay). 31 August 2010. p. 24. Retrieved 10 October 2024.
  33. ^ "Members of The Legislative Council". Jabatan Majlis-Majlis Mesyuarat. Retrieved 25 April 2024.
  34. ^ a b "Penetapan jawatan Pesuruhjaya Polis yang baru" (PDF). Pelita Brunei (in Malay). 22 August 2013. p. 12. Retrieved 10 October 2024.
  35. ^ a b Jabatan Perdana Menteri (28 May 2016). "Kurnia pelantikan Pesuruhjaya Polis baharu" (PDF). Pelita Brunei (in Malay). p. 1. Retrieved 10 October 2024.
  36. ^ a b Pasukan Polis Diraja Brunei (22 June 2019). "Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Mohammad Irwan Pesuruhjaya Polis baharu" (PDF). Pelita Brunei (in Malay). p. 13. Retrieved 10 October 2024.
  37. ^ James Kon (23 June 2019). "New Police Commissioner takes charge". Borneo Bulletin. Retrieved 24 July 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
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