By CLIFFORD FAIPARIK
Community policing and the use of non-lethal weapons will be the concept to combat the latest trend of violent crime wave in the National Capital District, Assistant Police Commissioner Tony Wagambie jnr says.And the latest trend of violent crime wave is ethnic clashes.
Mr Wagambie said that during the NCD/Central Policing Plan 2023 they have to acquire non-lethal weapons like gas guns and rubber bullets. “In this regard, we had requested to the police hierarchy impressing to them the need to adequately equip our members with protective gear and non-lethal weapons particularly gas guns and rubber bullets as well as training. Our policemen and policewomen in front line policing must be adequately equipped to respond to the fights, which have intermittently occurred and are imminent. The challenges are enormous, but so far, members of the Constabulary using their wealth of experiences in dealing with disputes in the community have managed to contain the violence through mere visibility, presence and the use of interactive skills. To this end, I am grateful because the management responded positively and we will eventually receive some assistance in training and equipment mainly focused on combating ethnic violence in the city. We will keep getting better as we progress into the year. We have seen the values and benefits of community partnership through increased police visibility in the communities.
Mr Wagambie said that “In Central province the land boundary is quite massive, requiring a huge police presence. We don’t have the numbers, but despite the scarcity of manpower and resources, members of Central Police are doing all they can to reach out to the communities. From here onward, the main emphasis of the Central Command will be focused on Community Policing. The police have and will continue to reach out to the people with one primary objective. To encourage people to have respect for the rule of law. The Constabulary will encourage communities to form law and order committees so they can maintain peace and good order within their own communities.
