The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) on Thursday, January 11, revealed the requirements needed for joining the National Police Reserve.
As detailed by IPOA, recruitment for police reservists across the country is an open exercise overseen by the National Security Council (NSC).
NSC also determines the number of reserve police officers needed at a particular time.
National Police Reservists (NPR) complement other disciplined forces in maintaining law and order within Kenyan borders.
Eligibility
According to IPOA, NPR consists of persons resident in Kenya who are aged between 18 and 55 years old.
This requirement is different from the National Police, Military and National Youth Service which requires applicants to be Kenyan citizens by birth.
Interested Kenyan residents are then required to volunteer for service and are enrolled as reserve police officers.
Members of the disciplined forces are not eligible to apply as police reservists.
Mandate
While technically civilians, the reservists play a crucial role in maintaining law and order.
“The Reserve may be deployed in Kenya to assist the Kenya Police Service or the Administration Police Service in their respective mandates,” IPOA stated.
The scope of NPR's duty includes the maintenance of law and order; preservation of peace; protection of life and property; prevention and detection of crime; apprehension of offenders; and enforcement of all laws and regulations with which the Service is charged.
Terms of Service
Once recruited, the reservists are given uniforms, service identity cards and weapons.
They are then deployed in different areas across the country guided by defined commands and supervision structures just as in disciplined forces.
Additionally, all reservists must undergo vetting and training before being deployed.
“A person serving as a Reserve police officer shall be bound by the same requirements as a police officer and shall be supervised by the Service,” IPOA explained.
All police reserve officers must be conversant with the relevant provisions of the Constitution and the National Police Service Act.
