COMMENT: All hail Team Lozikeyi!

THE inaugural United Nations International Day of Police Co-operation in September last year adopted the theme “Women in Policing” highlighting the need for modern policing to reflect the communities it serves.

This, according to the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol), includes promoting a more gender-sensitive workplace which is free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination.

Interpol says policing is traditionally a male-dominated profession and female law enforcement officers face challenges ranging from opportunities to reach leadership positions to cultural biases and gender stereotypes.

“Over the past decades, more and more women have chosen law enforcement as a career. As work environments and skills evolve, female officers are aiming higher in terms of their career aspirations and are taking on a wider range of roles and responsibilities,” said the organisation.   

“While significant progress has been made, further action is required if we are to move closer to gender parity in law enforcement.”

Interpol said globally, law enforcement agencies have recognised the need to increase diversity across all areas of policing and are working to attract and retain female talent. 

“They are putting in place policies and structures that support women’s recruitment and deployment across a wide spectrum of roles,” said the organisation. 

It is against this background that we commend the Zimbabwe Republic Police for the formation of all-female Criminal Investigation Department crack unit in Bulawayo code-named Team Lozikeyi.

Among their high profile arrests, the history making all-female crack team nabbed two male suspects after they were found in illegal possession of ivory worth more that US $6 000 under aggravating circumstances. 

The two suspects, arrested in Bulawayo on July 10, appeared in court yesterday.

The police recently announced that it was implementing modern policing strategies like the establishment of smart call centres across the country as the law enforcement agency moves to embrace technology in the digital era.

The move is aimed at modernising and enhancing communication channels between the police and the public and ultimately improving overall operational efficiency and response times.

The formation of Team Lozikeyi rings in sync with the modern policing strategy that the ZRP is adopting with the UN saying women police officers play a crucial role across the full spectrum of policing, from crime prevention to criminal investigations, the protection of human rights and safety and security.

“Evidence shows that their full, equal and meaningful participation in all policing functions is vital to achieving more effective, efficient and accountable services. The advantages of a more diverse and inclusive police workforce are clear,” said the UN. 

“Women’s equal participation in decision-making and leadership drives attention to women’s unique needs and rights and the importance of main-streaming gender-responsive approaches across all police functions, including in the development of plans, strategies and budgets.”