Inside NPS’ 24-point plan to improve police welfare

National Police Service (NPS) has developed new policies to cater for the welfare of retired officers and families of officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

Some of the 24 policies include the NPS Exit Management Policy. Others seek to make the service more effective, foster relationship with broader society and also improve welfare of the officers.

They will also utilise skilled officers who have exited honourably.

To streamline investigations on serious crimes committed by police, the service has developed the NPS Policy on Procedures on investigation of serious human rights violations.

On the other hand, NPS Policy on protection from personal liability on matters done in good faith has also been developed to provide a framework for the protection from personal liability for actions done in good faith in the performance of duties.

To provide a framework for classification of infrastructure and level of security required, the service has developed the NPS Policy on Critical Infrastructure Protection.Considering the role the media plays in policing, NPark for the establishments and staffing of NPS commands.

NPS Policy on Engagement with Private Security Operators will provide a framework on the engagement with private security providers while the National Policing Policy will provide a framework to guide policing strategies in the country.

Police headquarters says the NPS Uniform Policy will also provide for the description, procurement, design, shades, texture, stitching and gazettement of police uniforms.

On the other hand, the Policy on the Establishment and running of Formations and Police Stations seeks to provide for a framework for minimum standards of establishment, funding and administration of police formations and stations.

 The Interior Cabinet Secretary under Section 126(1) and (2) of the National Police Service Act is mandated to provide policy guidelines to the service and also monitor and evaluate performance of functions of NPS.

Technical officers

Interior Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo had directed the service to nominate three technical officers to participate in the planning and preparations.

“Pursuant to Section 126(1) and (2) the Cabinet Secretary is planning a technical consultative meeting for the institutions addressed herein, and other stakeholders to identify and discuss current and emerging issues that require policy guidance to the security institutions including the national Police Service,” Dr Omollo wrote in a letter dated April 6. “In this regard, you are requested to prepare and submit a comprehensive proposal on the issues that concern your institution to be submitted to the Ministry of Interior and National Administration not later than April 20, 2023,” he added.

Policy on Conflict of Interest in NPS will provide guidance to the members of NPS when dealing with conflict of interest while the Policy on NPS Forensic Laboratory will guide on the management and administration of the forensic laboratory and provision of services to other agencies.

 Policy on police documents will streamline the development, provision and use of police forms and documents in furtherance of a legal procedure for accountability, while the NPS Monitoring and Evaluation Policy will provide for a framework for monitoring and evaluating NPS projects, programmes and service delivery.

Others are NPS Policy on Protection and Access of Information to guide on the classification, protection and release of information; NPS policy on Unclaimed Property; and NPS Policy on Police Reforms.

Technical committee has also recommended that some of the existing policies require review. They include the Housing Policy to ensure decent and affordable houses and integration with communities and neighbourhoods; Training policy to include the current emerging issues on training; Career progression guidelines for Uniformed officers 2016; and the NPS policy on VIP protection.