This week leaders in Ngoma District were urged to participate actively in community policing. Community policing or neighbourhood policing is a policing strategy and philosophy based on the notion that community interaction and support can help control crime. Community members themselves help to identify suspects and bring problems to the attention of police. The national director of community policing, Chief Superintendent Emmanuel Butera, told local leaders to work together to fight crime.

This move away from centralised policing is significant because it will allow police to concentrate on the needs of their local communities which undoubtedly vary  from place to place. But this type of policing requires a slightly different approach.

Community policing Butera explained depends on proper communication and cooperation. And the Chief Superintendent has shown the way in clearly and effectively communicating his vision for localised policing.

Community Liaison Officers (CLOs) who are responsible for community policing and others in charge will require a broad set of leadership skills and the ability to use the right leadership approach in the right situation.

Butera called for a partnership between CLOs and sector leaders. While this is the crucial first step, CLOs also need to work with hospitals, schools and churches to deliver local policing based on community needs.

Such cooperation will ensure that policing is firmly grounded in reality.  Localised policing means new ways of working and integrating with other local public services.

Police forces at all levels need to work in partnership with their peers to develop local plans to meet the needs of the people. Properly carried out, this bold approach to policing will undoubtedly afford greater protection to more people.

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