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The police imported the two Global Satellite Position Navigation Systems, which cost about $1 000 each, after realising that police officers were taking long to attend to crime scenes, as they had to ask for directions along the way.
The navigation system receives information about the crime scene from the police officers then quickly produces a map, which they use to get to the scene.
If the police officers get lost, a special device redirects the driver and continues to give directions through the map, until they get to the destination.
In an interview at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) on Friday, the spokesperson of the Police Support Unit, Inspector Charles Jack said the police had purchased two Toyota Land Cruisers and the navigation systems from proceeds realised from the forces’ farm projects.
The two vehicles were deployed to Harare and Bulawayo.
“As you are aware, we have farm projects in the police’s 16 provinces in the country. Out of the projects, we managed to purchase two Land Cruisers fitted with navigation systems to allow us to render immediate responses to members of the public,” said Insp Jack.
“The navigation system enables us to go to various locations where crime reports would have been received from, especially robberies, car jackings and other serious crimes. We want to move away from the past where police officers had to ask for directions to crime scenes, which delayed them.”
Insp Jack said police officers responding to the crime scene simply type the address of the scene and it immediately produces a map and gives them the directions to the location.
“With this device, the police officers do not have to waste time asking for directions to the scene. They simply type the address on the system and it directs them, redirecting them when they get lost.
“We decided to buy Land Cruisers because they are all-terrain vehicles which can reach to crime scenes,” said Insp Jack.
He appealed to members of the community and the corporate world to contribute to the police force as they wished to purchase more vehicles and navigators.
“We managed to buy reaction vehicles and navigators through profits from our farm projects, but for us to work more effectively, we should have more vehicles, at least up to station level.
“I would like to appeal to members of the community, businesspeople and the corporate world to support us as we try to improve our services in all parts of the country.
“At least the public should feel challenged to assist us as we are trying our best to improve our services from our own resources.
“Inadequate resources should not force us to fold hands. We have to work together in alleviating crime and other ills of the society,” said Insp Jack.
Online Reporter