PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has directed the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Camillus Wambura, to establish a special police zone in Zanzibar to contain crime and enhance security.
Addressing a working session for senior police officers at Tanzania Police School (TPS) in Moshi District, Kilimanjaro Region, President Samia stressed the importance of increasing the budget for the Zanzibar police and ensuring that they have access to essential resources like patrol boats and vehicles.
The Head of State said Zanzibar’s porous borders increase the risk of security issues such as drug and human trafficking, which also necessitates the involvement of the immigration department.
“IGP you should consider elevating Zanzibar as a special zone,” she said, adding; “Although it’s a small area, a lot of things are happening there that necessitates stepping up police operations.”
Ms Samia said that the conditions of police stations and houses also require special attention and that it is challenging for officers to execute their duties efficiently.
She also underlined the importance of monitoring the morals and discipline of police officers in the isles.
In his statement to the President, IGP Wambura noted that the police have been recognising high performing officers, while simultaneously taking disciplinary action against those who are violating the Police General Orders (PGO).
According to IGP Wambura, 264 inspectors and officers have faced disciplinary charges since January, this year; 45 of them have been dismissed from the force, and 38 more are still facing charges.
He added that 120 inspectors and officers who worked satisfactorily between January and August were acknowledged, and among them, two received promotions and 70 received certificates of appreciation.
The force aims to make sure that all officers reside in police quarters rather than in the community, according to IGP Wambura.
“All police officers are required to live in the quarters in accordance with the rules and regulations of the police force to enable quick response when they are required at work, to ensure their safety and that of their families, and to prevent them from failing to act against criminals who live with these officers,” he said.
According to the Police Chief, there are currently 10,404 houses in the force, but there are actually 46,006 homes needed, leaving 35,605 vacant, forcing many police personnel to live with civilians.
