A woman has accused police officers of attire policing after she alleged that she was prevented from entering the police station to lodge a police report following a car accident.
On top of that, she also claimed that she was forced to buy new pants for herself so that she could be granted entry into the premises.
Got into car accident
Speaking to Sin Chew Daily, the woman surnamed Guo (transliteration) said she was driving back to KL from Johor with her adult daughter when her car was hit from behind at KM174.8 of the North-South Expressway yesterday (Dec 8).
Following the accident, she and the other driver were told to lodge a police report at the Jasin police headquarters.
Denied entry over attire
When Guo arrived at the police station, an officer stopped her and her daughter from entering and said that their skirts, which were slightly above the knees, had violated the dress code.
“I pleaded with the officer to make an exception because my car had been hit on the expressway and I needed to make a police report. But he showed no sympathy and said that if he let us in, he would get reprimanded.
“He then told me to go to a nearby mall to buy long pants. Since I couldn’t argue with him anymore, I went to buy them,” she said.
‘Exceptions should be given’
Guo added she turned to the media as she was deeply frustrated over the incident and argued that the needs of those seeking help from authorities should override the dress code.
We can’t possibly carry long pants with us everywhere we go. How would we know when an accident would happen?
“The police insisted on the dress code because this was a car accident. If it was a murder case, would they still insist on enforcing it?” she questioned.
In response to the allegations, Jasin district police chief Superintendent Lee Robert said the officer on duty was simply following the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
He also reminded the public to follow the dress code when dealing with any government agency, including police stations.
Meanwhile, Kesidang assemblyperson and Malacca State Executive Council member Seah Shoo Chin told Sin Chew Daily he had contacted the Melaka Police Chief and requested an investigation to be carried out.
“From my understanding, these SOPs can be waived when emergencies occur. I will bring this matter up at the Melaka State Executive Council meeting on Wednesday,” he added.
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