Inspector General Graphel Musamba has emphasised the pivotal role of community policing within the mandate of the Zambia Police Service, emphasizing its significance in bridging the gap between law enforcement and the community.

Mr. Musamba highlighted that community policing, both as a philosophy and strategy, fosters mutual trust, cooperation, and collaboration to ensure public safety and security. He said this in a speech delivered on his behalf by Commissioner of Police-Operations Mubanga Kaunda at the official opening of a two-day workshop on a people-cantered approach to policing in Lusaka on April 3, 2024.

The workshop, a collaborative effort between DCAF-Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance, The Southern African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD), and the Zambia Police Service, aims to establish a pilot program for understanding and implementing community-oriented policing while enhancing capacity with modern policing tools to improve citizens’ perspectives and perceptions.

Acknowledging the vital partnership with DCAF and SACCORD, the Inspector General expressed gratitude for their warm and beneficial support in various areas, facilitating efficient police service delivery. He commended their commitment to enhancing policing methods.

At the same function, SACCORD Vice Board Chairperson Humphrey Elekani highlighted the organization’s commitment to its relationship with the Zambia Police Service, while DCAF Principal Programme Manager Sub Saharan Africa Division, Alexander Burian, emphasized the importance of good communication and relationships in effective community policing.

ZP