The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) pleaded with Inspector General Japhet Koome to intervene and attend to pressing matters within the police service.
In the authority's performance report between January and June 2022 released on March 23, IPOA called upon the IG to ensure adequate and fair distribution of finances and resources to fund police premises including specialised police formations.
One of the demands from IPOA was the provision of Airtime Allowance to the police officers in charge of stations in the event that police-issued radio communications devices fail to work.
In addition, the authority called upon Koome to ensure adequate supply and procurement of high-powered High Frequency (HF) and Very High Frequency (VHF) radios to boost communication in remote areas where some of the officers operate.
"The IG to ensure supply and procurement of High-powered HF and VHF Radios to boost communication in remote areas where the Officers operate.
"Utilisation of mobile phones should only occur during times when other normal police communication channels have totally failed, and the officers-in-charge be provided with Airtime Allowance," the authority's recommendations read in part.
In addition, IPOA lamented that the motor vehicles and fuel allocation of 15 litres should be reviewed as it was insufficient, especially in hardship areas.
IPOA argued that the allocation should be done on basis of the geographical area covered by facility, terrain, frequency of emergencies, and rapid response incidences.
IG Koome was also tasked with providing officers with Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to protect them from contracting viral diseases.
Additionally, the IG was also urged to liaise with the Ministry of Land to fast-track the processing of land title deeds for all police lands arguing that some of the crucial parcels owned by the service did not have legitimate title deeds.
Furthermore, IPOA recommended the establishment of the National Police Service (NPS) Development Fund to improve and build new police infrastructure in regard to office spaces, cells, child protection units, and the acquisition of police land.
IPOA referred to the National Police Act 2011 which tasks the IG with providing funds for the establishment of Police premises.
"These premises should have both offices as well as residential units. Some of the facilities inspected lacked sufficient office spaces and were housed in dilapidated structures," read part of the report.
Conclusively, IPOA urged Koome to ensure that police officers comply with the authority to easier implementation of its functions.
"Disciplinary measures should continue being taken against the Police officers who do not comply with the law in their duties," the authority emphasised.
Meanwhile, some of the challenges the authority noted being faced by police officers included the slow issuance of uniforms. IPOA argued that uniform for officers was important for their image, confidence, self-esteem, and morale.
The gender imbalance was also recorded by the authority as opposed to Article 246 (3)(a) of the Constitution. It was noted that in all premises inspected, there was a shortage of female officers.
Additionally, police officers lacked psycho-social support in terms of counseling facilities.
