Samia vows to modernise police

• Focus on enhancing efficiency, professionalism
• Calls for vigilance ahead of general election

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Commander-in-Chief, President Samia Suluhu Hassan has reiterated her administration’s strong commitment to modernising the Tanzania Police Force.

Speaking during a graduation ceremony for police officers and inspectors at the Dar es Salaam Police Academy (DPA) yesterday, President Samia issued seven directives aimed at strengthening the force with the focus on enhancing efficiency, professionalism and digital transformation to ensure the safety and security of citizens and their properties.

“Be fully prepared to detect and neutralise any indicators of potential unrest before they escalate. Don’t wait for peace to be broken –prevent the triggers,” President Samia ordered.

President Samia insisted the importance of integrating police digital systems with other government platforms, particularly those related to criminal case management, to improve coordination, accountability and oversight.

She pointed to successful integration efforts involving the Integrated Road Traffic Information System, Criminal Case Management System and the Lost Property Information System, directing that more systems be interconnected.

“If these systems are fully developed and integrated, they will significantly enhance operational efficiency, reduce duplication and cut government costs,” she said.

The president commended the police leadership for embracing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and encouraged expedited implementation of digital systems.

Underscoring the importance of ethics, President Samia warned that corruption and poor conduct undermine the fight against crime “You cannot successfully combat crime if you lose the moral authority and integrity needed to lead,” she said, adding; “Professionalism must begin at the top and extend throughout the entire force.”

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She called on officers to uphold discipline, patriotism and integrity to reduce public complaints and foster trust in the police. President Samia also urged continued collaboration with the public and international security agencies, especially neighbouring countries, to combat crossborder threats.

She stressed the need for continuous training to ensure officers are equipped to respond to modern and complex crime threats, stating: “Let us train modern officers to tackle modern threats.”

President Samia expressed dismay over the rising number of road accidents, directing the police force to conduct a comprehensive review of traffic management and urging the enforcement of stricter driver licensing standards.

“Every time we try to address the issue, accidents still increase. We need bold, targeted strategies,” she said.

She also called for intensified efforts in fighting drug trafficking, urging enhanced collaboration with relevant authorities and full implementation of recommendations from the Criminal Justice Commission. President Samia reiterated the government’s continued investment in security and defence forces, within the limits of the national budget.

“Peace is the foundation of development. By ensuring internal stability, we create the environment needed for national progress and the well-being of our people,” she affirmed.

Minister for Home Affairs, Mr Innocent Bashungwa, expressed appreciation for the government’s sustained efforts to improve police welfare, infrastructure and training.

He noted that the force is actively implementing reforms recommended by the Presidential Commission on Criminal Justice Reform. Inspector General of Police (IGP) Camillus Wambura lauded the government’s provision of patrol boats, motorcycles and vehicles, which have significantly improved operational capacity.

“In 1994, night travel for buses was banned due to rampant highway robberies. But since the ban was lifted in October 2023 under President Samia’s leadership, no major highway robbery has been reported,” IGP Wambura said.

He assured the public of the force’s readiness to maintain peace and security before, during and after the General Election.

Deputy Commissioner of Policer Dr Lazaro Mambosasa, Head of the Dar es Salaam Police Academy, also commended the government’s investment in capacity-building, which he said has improved the quality of security services delivered across the country