By Petronella Sibeene
WINDHOEK
A two-member delegation from the City of Orleans in France are in the country to assess how they can help the City of Windhoek Police improve its efforts in fighting crime.
Yesterday, the delegation met the City of Windhoek Police Chief Abraham Kanime, Nampol Deputy Inspector General for Operations, Tuweefeni Mlukeni, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration Permanent Secretary, Samuel /Goagoseb, and the Windhoek City Mayor, Matthew Shikongo.
After assessing the operations of the Windhoek City Police since Monday, Head of the delegation and Chief of City Police in Orleans Florent Montillot commended efforts made by the force in delivering efficient services. Orleans Director of City Police, Pascal Desuert, accompanies Montillot.
However, Montillot said the Windhoek City Police needed training of staff, a database or software for easy access to information, and technical instruments to be able to function optimally.
He pointed out that the implementation of high technology equipment such as closed circuit television (CCTV) are important in modern times as crime perpetrators have become more sophisticated in their operations.
The French also expressed interest in assisting Windhoek in mapping its areas of operation. He added that mapping would help law enforcement agents to identify problematic areas with regard to crime and see how they can apply measures aimed at reducing such offences.
“With mapping, it makes it easy for the city police to target areas with high crime incidences per month. I think this is one area where the French input can be valuable,” he said.
The delegation also identified lack of a global positioning system (GPS).
Montillot said GPS is crucial in the monitoring of patrolling exercises around the city.
The delegation on Wednesday night accompanied police teams patrolling the Katutura suburb. According to Montillot, the relationship between the police force and communities is impressive, as society seems to accept the existence of the police and the need to fight crime.
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