‘Be vigilant, ethical’

• Samia urges police to uphold integrity, discipline and vigilance against emerging security threats

DAR ES SALAAM: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has called for the police force to strengthen professionalism, operational discipline and preparedness in addressing emerging security threats, stressing the need for vigilance amid evolving crime patterns.

She said modern policing requires officers who are disciplined, accountable and capable of adapting to evolving forms of crime influenced by technological changes.

Speaking during the graduation ceremony of police officers and assistant inspectors at the Police Academy in Dar es Salaam, she said that the growth of technology has transformed criminal activities, creating new security challenges across borders, roads, communities and digital platforms.

“The changing environment requires the police force to continuously assess its performance and improve operational methods in order to enhance efficiency and effectiveness,” President Samia said.

President Samia further said training remains one of the key tools in building a professional police force capable of responding to current security demands. She added that reforms recommended by the 2022 Criminal Justice Commission, including strengthening ICT skills, improving discipline and enhancing community policing systems, should continue to be implemented.

The Head of State also stressed the importance of maintaining ethical standards and avoiding misconduct while carrying out police duties. She called on officers to use resources allocated to the force effectively in protecting citizens and their property.

At the same time, President Samia underscored the need for vigilance in addressing potential security risks, saying recent experiences had highlighted the importance of taking all warning signs seriously.

“You should not ignore any indicators that could threaten peace and security and there should be a closer cooperation among security institutions in sharing information and responding to emerging dangers,” she said.

ALSO READ: TSN nominated for best lawabiding media house award

President Samia further said building public confidence in the police force remains important in improving service delivery and crime prevention efforts. She encouraged officers graduating from the course to demonstrate integrity, professionalism and responsibility in executing their duties.

“Leadership positions are a responsibility and not a source of pride over citizens or junior officers,” she said.

President Samia also assured the force that the government would continue improving police infrastructure and welfare services, including plans to construct a maternal and child hospital along Kilwa Road following a request raised by the Inspector General of Police.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Camillus Wambura said the police force has continued implementing reforms recommended by the 2022 Criminal Justice Commission aimed at improving professionalism, operational efficiency and service delivery within the force.

He said the reforms are intended to strengthen the institution and ensure long-term improvements in policing and criminal justice systems.

IGP Wambura said the government has significantly invested in improving police infrastructure and operational capacity, including the construction and renovation of police stations, offices and housing units, as well as the acquisition of more than 1,300 operational vehicles, patrol motorcycles and boats.

“The force is expanding the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and strengthening community policing in efforts to improve crime prevention and public engagement.

“Our goal is to ensure that crime is prevented before it occurs,” he said, adding that the force aims to move beyond responding to incidents after they happen.

He also assured the President that the force would continue enforcing discipline and ethical standards among officers, warning that misconduct would not be tolerated. According to the IGP, disciplinary measures would continue to be taken against officers found violating professional standards.

Speaking at the event, Commandant of the Dar es Salaam Police Academy, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Dr Lazaro Mambosasa, said a total of 719 officers and assistant inspectors successfully completed the training programme after reporting for the course in December last year. He said the graduates included 318 officers and 401 assistant inspectors drawn from Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.

According to Dr Mambosasa, the trainees underwent intensive classroom and field training in areas including police leadership and management, criminal investigations, criminal law, human rights, strategic communication, extremism and terrorism, as well as weapon handling and defensive techniques.