adminWe have in the past covered a number of crime issues that are of concern to you the public as beneficiaries of our service. Certainly, to those that have not missed each edition of this page, we should now be sailing in the same boat effectively navigating our way around crime challenges and taking obstacles head-on.
You will remember that our thrust in laying bare our soul for public scrutiny as a people-oriented police force has been to enable you to measure and guide the kind of service we should provide. It is for this reason that the police engage the public in various public functions like awareness campaigns and meetings and less formal fora like Christmas and get-together parties.
The other platform that has provided the public with an opportunity to have both an eagle and microscopic view of its police is the Agricultural and Exhibition Show. Remember the 2014 Manicaland Agricultural and Exhibition show roars to life from the 18th to 21st September 2014. The show is associated with a number of breath-taking activities. The ZRP will again have its doors open to the public during this period.
Located at the western end of the Show Grounds, the police stand has been a centre of attraction over the years for a number of reasons.
Firstly, the occasion affords the public a rare opportunity to have an insight into what lies behind the scenes in police circles.
Secondly, it is that time when myths and misconceptions are cleared as public concerns are entertained to their logical conclusion. It is therefore imperative that citizens reserve a day and make time to visit the police stand. As the year draws to the end we bring to you awareness on some of those areas that are key in shaping and refining our role as a law enforcement agents.
Staff presentation
The value of courtesy is embodied in police operations just like in any well-to-do organisation. We implore you to figure out the extent to which this virtue is manifested by our officers at this year’s show. It is our desire that police personnel at your service at all times be smartly turned out in a manner that is set out by officers exhibiting at the stand. You should also expect to meet the command that superintend over policing matters at various levels in your area of residence. As a way of assuring you of our desire to address all your queries on cases handled by the police, we bring to you the structure of our Provincial command which has always been at your disposal should you have a fall-out with the station or district that policy you.
Staffing(Employment Opportunities)
Staff turnover is common in the ZRP. With the public often worried about manpower inadequacies that have compromised crime prevention and investigation activities, you should surely want to know how the police has been going about the process of recruitment and selection.
Those interested in joining the ZRP will be taken through the whole process by a team of spirited officers from our training wing. In the same token you will also get to know how the police addresses issues of performance deficiencies through this wing and have a chance to propose some of the ways you think will help bring about a professional police force.
Serious /Commercial Crime
You will recall that we looked at some of the serious crimes like murder and Fraud in previous editions. The public has often been handy in detecting crime where it is aware of the nature of crime committed. On the other hand criminals have avoided detection where the public cannot identify certain instruments used in the commission of crime. It is for this reason that the police show cases activities of some of its specialized sections like the Vehicle Theft Squad (VTS), Serious Frauds, Homicide and Minerals and Border Control Unit. The use of physical exhibits during the exhibition such as diamonds, gold, ivory or counterfeit bank notes will help you quickly identify where crime involving the items is in progress. You will then be helpful as whistle blower just like you have often done in the past.
Gender Equity
Women empowerment and the facilitation of equal opportunities in all spheres of life took a centre stage at the turn of the millennium. Poverty renders one susceptible to criminal activity both as perpetrator and victim. The police has chosen to lead by example and will be show casing activities of its two sections in this regard, that is, the ZRP Women’s Network and Kuyedza club. The former comprises female members of the force while the latter is made up of wives of all serving members. The police will this year, be advocating for women empowerment as a gate way to the realization of our vision of a crime free Zimbabwe by 2020.
Spirituality
The Chaplaincy section caters for the spiritual needs of members of the ZRP. The self restraint element inherent in believers has greatly contributed to discipline among forces and crime prevention in society. Above all it is my fervent hope and belief that we all value the importance of divine intervention in taming the crime jungle. This section will help you see the extent to which the police authorities try to bring about an acceptable police force operating in our communities.
All having been said and done, the purpose of this edition has been to try and invite you to the police stand which is a one stop centre for all your queries and concerns as far as crime management in your place of residence is concerned.
Remember our driving statement for 2014 “ZRP for A Safe and Transforming Nation”.
Inserted by: ZRP Manicaland Province Press and Public Relations.
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