IPOA Swings Into Action, Lists Benefits Police Should Have

The Independent Policing Oversight (IPOA) has asked the National Police Service (NPS) to look into the affairs of its officers.

In its performance report of the police between January and June 2022 released on Thursday, March 23, IPOA asked Inspector General Japhet Koome to ensure adequate and fair distribution of finances and resources to fund police premises including specialised police formations.

IPOA also asked NPS to provide its officers with an Airtime Allowance to Officers Commanding Stations (OCS) for easier communication in case the government-issued radio communication devices fail.

Also Read: IPOA Wants Police Officers Paid Overtime Allowances

The authority further called on Koome to ensure adequate supply and procurement of high-powered High Frequency (HF) and Very High Frequency (VHF) radios to boost communication in remote areas where some of the officers operate.

“The IG to ensure supply and procurement of High-powered HF and VHF Radios to boost communication in remote areas where the Officers operate.

“Utilisation of mobile phones should only occur during times when other normal police communication channels have totally failed, and the officers-in-charge be provided with Airtime Allowance,” the authority’s recommendations read in part.

IPOA further recommended NPS to provide officers serving in hardship areas with adequate fuel for motor vehicles stating that the 15 litres of fuel provided is not sufficient for police to carry out their duties.

IPOA argued that the allocation should be done on basis of the geographical area covered by facility, terrain, frequency of emergencies, and rapid response incidences.

IG Koome was also tasked with providing officers with Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to protect them from contracting viral diseases.

The authority also asked the National Police boss to ensure all parcels of land allocated to NPS have legitimate title deeds adding that some of the land occupied by police do not have legitimate title deeds.

IPOA also recommended the establishment of the National Police Service Development Fund (NPSDF) to improve and build new police infrastructure in regard to office spaces, cells, child protection units, and the acquisition of police land.