Towards Capacity Building For Effective Policing In Namibia: The Case Of Khomas Region

ABSTRACT

The focus of this study is on capacity-building in the Namibia Police since independence because the majority of officers who constituted the Namibian Police (at independence) were former members of the apartheid colonial system. Being so, the Namibia Police needs requisite skills and appropriate logistical means to perform effectively in democracy. Policing in democracy is a complex undertaking requiring the police not only to respond to crimes and maintain law and order but also to respect the basic human rights and freedom of all citizens, and always act within the limits of the law. Capacity building would ensure that police officers are provided with proper knowledge and skills, equipment and support means and are taught professional methods of dealing with crime in a democratic society effectively. The study established that capacity-building policy and programmes in the statutes and official documents are adequate. What are required is the understanding, willpower and concerted efforts from those in positions of authority in the Namibian Police to transform these policies and programmes into actions for the betterment of police service delivery in Namibia. The study thus, examined how capacity-building policies and programmes are being implemented in the Namibian Police for better performance. The study population is the police officers from Wanaheda and Windhoek Police Stations and also identified stakeholders. Respondents to questionnaires used as data collection tools pointed out that since independence, there has been an apparent mismatch between capacity-building policies and programmes (outlined in official documents) and their implementation. This study establishes that members of the Namibian Police have chances to undergo basic police training. However, possibilities for them to attend other police courses during their serving career are very limited.