Collen Kurana
The Namibian Police Force was established in 1990 by an Act of Parliament, Act 19 of 1990, as amended. This provision is also reflected in the Namibian Constitution under Article 118, with the powers, duties, and procedures to secure the internal security of Namibia and to maintain law and order. Nampol is a legitimate institution that monopolises the use of force, including reasonable force, in effecting an arrest in the event of any resistance. Some of the functions performed by the organisation include the investigation of alleged offences, crime prevention, and the protection of life and property.
Over the past decades, the organisation has been overwhelmed by the increase in criminal activities and cases reported across the country. Some of the crimes reported include gruesome crimes such as murder involving minor and serious crimes such as robberies, as well as organised crimes such as money laundering and human trafficking, plus wildlife poaching. During the 2021–2022 financial year, the organisation recorded 98 640 criminal cases, which included robbery, rape, violence against women and children, murder, theft, etc. Criminal activities in the country seem to be increasing daily, and there are no signs of a reduction anytime soon.
Like any other organisation, Nampol has internal challenges. For example, in 2021, the former Inspector General of the Police, Lieutenant General Sebastian Ndeitunga, stressed that the organisation was faced with massive resignations, discharges based on police misconduct, mortality, and retirement, to mention but a few of many.
Since its inception in 1990, the organisation has gradually transformed itself into one of the top policing organisations in the world. Many high-profile cases that occurred are still pending or have gone cold, and at times the public appeared to lose confidence, particularly when they expected an instant response to crime incidents or safety assurances.
Based on the above challenges, I believe that it is high time Nampol considers creating a think tank directorate comprised of intellectuals or experts to study the dynamics of the organisation and provide informed advisory decisions. This directorate could carry out scientific research on crime and technology, the socioeconomics of crime, and leadership-related aspects, as well as other important themes of interest to the organisation. Criminals are becoming more sophisticated in their dealings, and a directorate like this could provide useful insights on crime analysis, crime trends, and many other aspects. These are integral aspects that constitute a well-functioning and responsive police organisation in modern times. Moreover, the organisation may also consider broadening its partnership with the Namibian University of Science and Technology (NUST) by offering specialisations such as crime profiling, critical investigation, crime intelligence gathering and analysis, juvenile counselling, and crime prevention training beyond the usual criminal justice degree. Having this in place, the organisation will be in a better position to carry out its mandate competitively and without doubt. The organisation could consider recruiting these individuals externally to provide a competent and professional atmosphere free of compromise.
Establishing a think tank directorate of expertise dealing with scientific crime research, profiling, gathering, and strategic planning is key for the organisation in transforming itself from its current position to one that is swift and elite in dealing with crime-related challenges in society.
* Collen Kurana has a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from NUST.