The Principal Secretary of the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration, Dr Raymond Omollo, has announced a comprehensive review of the police curriculum to produce well-rounded officers capable of tackling contemporary crimes.
Speaking during an interview on Spice FM on Wednesday, Dr Omollo emphasised the need to update the curriculum to reflect the evolving nature of crime.
The revised curriculum will not only address terms of service and remuneration but will also focus on capacity building, mental health, and leveraging technology to combat cybercrimes.
"We are reviewing the police curriculum to ensure it is holistic and equips officers with the skills needed to handle new forms of crime," Omollo stated.
"Training at Kiganjo is intense, and we are incorporating these interventions to create complete police officers," the PS continued.
The government is prioritising the use of technology to equip officers with the necessary skills to address crimes such as cyberbullying, content-related offences, and the exposure of children to cyber vices and pornography.
PS Omollo highlighted the importance of adapting to technological advancements, noting that it is impractical to have a police officer in every corner.
He stressed the need to equip officers with digital forensic skills to tackle evolving crimes.
Furthermore, the government will be integrating mental health support into ongoing police reforms, acknowledging the psychological toll of law enforcement work.
Authorities also aim to address the mental well-being of officers following a series of tragic incidents linked to psychological distress.
"You have seen cases where police officers turn their guns on colleagues or even themselves. This is largely due to the work pressure and the environment they operate in. We have now incorporated mental health support as part of the ongoing reforms," the PS stated.
By integrating these changes, the government aims to enhance the police force's effectiveness in addressing modern criminal activities and ensuring public safety.