Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
The Mkushi Academy Functional Training Centre, aimed at providing practical training to recruits and members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police, has been commissioned in Harare.
The centre was commissioned by Commissioner-General of Police Stephen Mutamba.
In his remarks, Chief Superintendent Raymond Chiteka, the Assistant Commandant responsible for training in the Police Academy, said the centre is a dedicated facility designed to deliver hands-on, practical training to recruits and members of the organisation.
“The centre allows recruits to receive comprehensive training that encompasses aspects of law enforcement duties learnt from the lecture rooms of the academy’s training departments, as well as consolidating various types of physical fitness exercises administered to recruits,” he said.
“When completed, the FTC will have five pillars, namely the Functional Training Course, the Open Gym Crime Scene Models (Scenario-Based Practicals), the Virtual Shooting Range (Off Campus) and Traffic Management Centre (Off Campus),” he said.
Chief Superintendent Chiteka said the functional training course, also called the assault course (military circles), is a dynamic facility to improve recruits’ fitness, agility, problem-solving under pressure and teamwork.
The Crime Scene Models (Scenario-Based Training), will assist recruits with practical scenario-based training.
“These models provide recruits with hands-on experience in investigating crime, enhancing their observational and analytical skills,” he said.
“In coming up with these models, the Academy is working closely with the Forensic Science Directorate and its crime scenes experts, among others.
“In using these models, recruits will also have the opportunity to role-play various responsibilities carried out by police officers, including systematic scene attendance, which includes collecting and preserving evidence, as well as preparing the scenes for different crime experts, all within a controlled environment.”
The Virtual Shooting Range (Off Campus), he said, is a cutting-edge firearms training facility that employs simulated information technology and actual firearms to deliver realistic training without the need for live ammunition.
“It enables recruits to participate in a variety of shooting scenarios, improving their marksmanship, decision-making, and tactical abilities in a safe and controlled environment,” he said.
He said the Traffic Management Centre will simulate real-life traffic management situations where recruits will acquire skills in traffic law enforcement, accident investigations, traffic control, road safety awareness, emergency response, as well as the use of technology in managing traffic, among others,” he said.
Chief Superintendent Chiteka said the Functional Training Centre is a strategic, high-impact investment for the organisation and will transform recruits from classroom learners into confident, capable officers ready for the complex realities of modern policing.
“With its mentioned pillars, the FTC is envisaged to deliver safer, cost-effective, scenario-based training that improves marksmanship, decision-making, physical readiness, as well as investigative competencies while fostering teamwork and discipline among the recruits,” he said.
