This article was first published by the Sunday Nation…. Give priority to the welfare of policemen
The police are not here to create disorder; they are here to preserve order. The Police is a civil force that is tasked with maintaining law and order, detecting and preventing crimes and enforcing regulations within a given jurisdiction The police force exists in different divisions/units with specific responsibilities.
The traffic enforcement and detectives have different roles. These police officers sometimes face difficulties in their line of work making it a challenge for them to carry out their duties progressively Police welfare is critical in ensuring that police officers are well-equipped, motivated, physically fit and mentally stable to carry out their duties effectively and it should be treated as a top priority by both the government and the society The physical and mental health of police officers is paramount.
Policing is a profession that is demanding and it requires officers to face risks and challenges on their day to day work. They often work long hours, exposed to various forms of trauma, violence and stress These conditions may lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety.
This may lead to a negative impact on their overall well-being and their ability to perform their duties effectively. It is crucial for law enforcement agencies to provide mental health support services like therapy, counselling and peer support groups to help the officers cope with the emotional challenges of their work The effectiveness of the police force is closely tied to the welfare of its officers.
Police officers have been entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining law and order, preventing crimes, and ensuring the safety and security of the citizens For them to carry out these duties effectively, they need to be well-trained, well equipped and motivated.
However, if the police officers are not well taken care of, they may suffer from lack of motivation, low morale and reduced productivity which negatively impacts their performance in safeguarding the community Addressing remuneration and benefits for police officers is essential.
Many police officers are facing financial challenges due to low salaries, lack of proper housing and inadequate retirement benefits.
These issues can lead to corruption and unethical behavior among the officers Providing fair and competitive salaries, suitable housing and retirement benefits and other perks will motivate and retain a highly dedicated workforce and boost job satisfaction.
Law enforcement agencies should prioritise measures to improve job satisfaction like recognition for good performance, opportunities for career growth, and a positive work culture fostering team work, accountability and respect.
By prioritising police welfare, we can build a strong, professional and accountable police force that is capable of safeguarding the rights, freedoms and security of the citizens.
Mr. Dismas Kibor works at IPOA under the Government-sponsored internship programme