Online Reporter
Trust Freddy
THE Government is considering deploying helicopters to support police operations as part of a broader modernisation drive aimed at tackling rising violent crime and improving response capabilities.
The proposed support is expected to enable faster tracking and interception of suspects, giving law-enforcement officers a significant advantage over criminals who often outpace ground units.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Ambassador Raphael Faranisi said aerial capability would be a critical deterrent against sophisticated and violent crime.
“Most critically, with the Treasury’s backing, air support will be our most effective deterrent against violent crime. In the face of armed robberies and gun violence, an aerial response allows us to track and intercept suspects with a level of precision that ground units alone cannot achieve,” he said.
The move builds on ongoing efforts to modernise policing through the adoption of advanced technologies.
The police have already begun deploying drones, which are providing real-time aerial surveillance, improving situational awareness and assisting officers to monitor suspect movements and coordinate ground responses more effectively.
The planned helicopter deployment forms part of a wider smart policing strategy that also includes the rollout of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered traffic management systems.
Under the initiative, smart poles equipped with AI-enabled cameras are being installed at high-risk intersections and accident-prone zones, particularly in central Harare.
The system is designed to automatically detect traffic violations, including speeding, running red lights, driving against traffic and other dangerous behaviours that contribute to road accidents and congestion.
Using advanced image recognition and data analytics, the cameras capture vehicle number plates and analyse driver behaviour in real-time, reducing the need for continuous manual monitoring by law-enforcement officers.
Studies show that such technologies can reduce accident rates by at least 21 percent by influencing driver behaviour and improving compliance with traffic regulations.
To further strengthen accountability and professionalism within the force, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has also introduced body cameras and other digital tools.
These devices are expected to provide objective records of interactions between officers and the public, helping to reduce disputes, curb misconduct and de-escalate potential confrontations.
Amb Faranisi said modernisation of the ZRP remains a top priority as the Government moves to enhance public safety and align policing methods with evolving crime trends.
The push for police air support follows success of the Government-backed air ambulance service, which has recorded more than 1 500 emergency responses since its launch in August 2024, demonstrating the effectiveness of aerial capabilities in critical situations.
In addition, said Amb Faranisi, the Government is upgrading forensic laboratories to strengthen the police’s ability to investigate increasingly complex crimes, including digital and financial offences.
