And the Zambia Police Service has re-introduced the navy blue uniform to distinguish itself from the officers of the school of public order maintenance (mobile unit).
Justice Sakala said the illegal detention of suspects is not only a violation of human rights but can also be costly to the government.
He was speaking yesterday at the graduation of 443 police recruit constables at the School of Public Order Maintenance (SPOM) at Kamfinsa in Kitwe.
“The overdetention of suspects is not only a violation of human rights but can also be costly to the government. It also dents the image of the Zambia Police Service, which image you will be expected to continue to build and jealously protect,” Justice Sakala said.
He advised the recruits to desist from engaging in politics to avoid compromising their careers.
“Your part in politics is to provide an enabling environment through which politics can be played without players resorting to violence against each other. It is for this reason that the public, who are your employers, will expect you to be neutral and professional at all times.
“Talking of politics, I want also to point out that you are passing out today at a time when the nation seems to be already preparing itself for next year’s tripartite elections. Thus, as the country becomes embraced in the election fever, you will be required to enhance and intensify the element of professional and impartial policing,” Justice Sakala said.
He said in Zambia today, there is a culture of blaming the police whenever there is violence.
Justice Sakala urged the recruits to work towards reversing this culture.
He said the country’s continued peaceful environment should be enhanced by the officers’ improved policing strategies to create an enabling socio-political and economic environment.
“As we unleash you to the unsuspecting public, I urge you to create an environment in which all political players should be policed to conduct their campaigns in a humane, peaceful and non-violent manner.
Bribes, too, can compromise your work as police officers, they are dangerous to you as you may be arrested and ruin your future.
Stick to your wife and if you are not married, it is high time you seriously considered marrying or getting married.
This is the best safety catch to avoid this pandemic. (HIV/AIDS),” Justice Sakala said.
He commended the police command for re-introducing the navy blue uniform saying the move will promote accountability and stir competition amongst the officers of the units and that in the long run it will bring about greater efficiency.
”This parade coincides with the re-introduction of the old navy blue uniform for Mobile Police Unit here at Kamfinsa. I am reliably informed that the police command’s intention is to identify officers in units of the Zambia police service, who belong to mobile unit, paramilitary or general duties through the colour of their respective uniforms,” he said.
And Inspector General of Police Francis Kabonde urged the private security firms that may be using similar uniform to change their attire to avoid being mistaken for Zambia police service officers.
Mr Kabonde said there are times when police officers are engaged in serious confrontation with either armed bandits or public disorder saying it is important that security firms that may be using the similar uniform changed their attire.
He urged the police officers to desist from engaging in illegal activities which can endanger the security of their career.
“As police officers, you are expected to be non partisan, professional and loyal to the government of the day. You should continue to be obedient to lawful orders in the discharge of your duties.
You must continue with the discipline that you have acquired in this training school. Serve the people of Zambia diligently,” Mr Kabonde said.
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