By Lovemore Lubinda
Community policing in Malawi, like everywhere else focuses on police-community partnership to solve local crime problems proactively, building trust, and improving police legitimacy.
These collaborations are often made possible through structures like Community Policing Forums (CPFs) to bridge gaps, though implementation challenges like resource constraints, need for strong local engagement, and integrating it with national security priorities to be truly effective in fostering safety and cooperation.
However, in recent times, complaints have been registered against some members of the CPs who employ confrontational approaches in the way they handle issues like arrests.
Apparently, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Richard Chakupaleza Chikoko Luhanga has challenged CP Coordinators to enhance the people-centred policing approach, urging them to “go back to the people.”
He says this is the surest gateway to building trust between the police and the public it serves.
Speaking as he officially opened a two-day CP Policy Dialogue Workshop for all Regional and Station CP Coordinators at Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe, yesterday Luhanga pointed out that policing thrives on partnership, not confrontation, and urged the CP Coordinators to revamp their structures, whilst putting emphasis on customer care.
He told the over 50 participants that the Malawi Police Service (MPS) cannot afford to operate at odds with the public it serves.
“Our mandate is rooted in the confidence of the people we serve. We must listen, engage and serve them with dignity,” he said.
The Malawi Police Service is addressed in Chapter XV of Malawi’s Constitution, its duty is to protect public safety and the rights of persons in Malawi according to the prescriptions of this Constitution and any other law.
Meanwhile, the opening of the session also acknowledged excellence, through the presentation of CP awards.
The South West Region (SWR) was named best Region for consistently convening Regional Executive Committee (REC) meetings, mobilizing resources, and effectively monitoring its stations.
Mzuzu Police Station won best Station for its active Station Executive Committee (SEC) meetings and strong coordination of joint patrols that have improved safety outcomes.
The Innovation award was presented to Assistant Superintendent Jane Mkangala of Lumbadzi Police Station for her outstanding initiatives in preventing attacks on persons with albinism, demonstrating exceptional commitment to protecting vulnerable groups.
The workshop has been supported financially with funding from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The UNDP Chief Technical Advisor Dr Rowland Cole attended the event on behalf of the Resident Representative, Madam Fenella Frost.
Other high profile attendees included the MPS Director of Community Policing and Rural Police Units, Mrs Jacqualine De Silva Kainja and UNDP Police Advisor, Dr Ernest Yeboah.
