DHAKA: Venezuela`s interior minister has given out his personal mobile phone number on live television, and urged police officers to call him directly to report cases of corruption within the force.

Miguel Rodriguez said rooting out corruption was the only way for the police to regain public trust, reports BBC.

Police corruption is seen as one reason why Venezuela has one of the highest murder rates in the world.

His comments come amid public anger after the murder of Monica Spear.

The popular former beauty queen and her ex-husband, Thomas Berry, were gunned down in their car in front of their five-year-old daughter, who was wounded.

Seven people have been arrested in connection with the crime.
Venezuela`s Interior Minister Miguel Rodriguez speaks in Caracas December 11, 2013 Miguel Rodriguez said rooting out corruption was the only way for the police to regain public trust

"New police officers will always have some great superiors, well-prepared ones," Mr Rodriguez said at an official ceremony in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas.

"But they also are going to get some bad eggs. Report them fearlessly because their (corruption) undermines police authority for the Venezuelan people.

"Just give me the information right away, and we will rip the head off that immoral police superior," the minister warned, after giving the officers his mobile number.

The BBC tried to ring the number but calls were not immediately answered.

BDST: 0931 HRS, JAN 12, 2014
RS