Angolan riot police told to keep ready to maintain law and order

General Commander of Angola's National Police Ambrosio de Lemos on Wednesday urged the riot police to stand ready to against any emerging violence and safeguard the society, although the country has been politically and economically stable since the civil war ended in 2002.

He made the appeal in a keynote speech at the opening session of the 7th Broad Consultative Council of that operative organ of the General Command of the National Police, which was held under the theme "Riot police ready for the challenges of peace."

"The riot police in the past were mainly tasked with defending the territory along with the Angolan Armed Forces, and today this organ fits better to the great moment of peace and national reconstruction," emphasised the police chief.

He stressed the role of the 100.000- member-strong National Police is to maintain order, physical and property integrity of citizens, fight against crime in all manifestations.

Ambrosio de Lemos expressed concern over the increase over the last two months of armed robberies in homes and commercial outlets.

Riot police groups the Anti-Terrorist Units (UAT), Anti- disorder Units (UAD) and Armoured Vehicle unit (UVB).

The three-day event is analysing the activities carried out last year and outline actions for 2010.

Source: Xinhua