The focus of this study is on capacity-building in the Namibia Police since independence
because the majority of officers who constituted the Namibian Police (at independence)
were former members of the apartheid colonial system. Being so, the Namibia Police
needs requisite skills and appropriate logistical means to perform effectively in
democracy.
Policing in democracy is a complex undertaking requiring the police not only to respond
to crimes and maintain law and order but also to respect the basic human rights and
freedom of all citizens, and always act within the limits of the law. Capacity building
would ensure that police officers are provided with proper knowledge and skills,
equipment and support means and are taught professional methods of dealing with crime
in a democratic society effectively. The study established that capacity-building policy
and programmes in the statutes and official documents are adequate. What are required
is the understanding, willpower and concerted efforts from those in positions of
authority in the Namibian Police to transform these policies and programmes into
actions for the betterment of police service delivery in Namibia.
The study thus, examined how capacity-building policies and programmes are being
implemented in the Namibian Police for better performance. The study population is the
police officers from Wanaheda and Windhoek Police Stations and also identified
stakeholders.
Respondents to questionnaires used as data collection tools pointed out that since
independence, there has been an apparent mismatch between capacity-building policies
and programmes (outlined in official documents) and their implementation. This study
establishes that members of the Namibian Police have chances to undergo basic police
training. However, possibilities for them to attend other police courses during their
serving career are very limited.
iii
This study established further that the Namibian Police needed requisite skills and
knowledge and logistical support means to perform in democracy better. Both the police
members and other stakeholders that this study consulted (indicated in Chapter 4)
confirmed these needs. Contrary to official pronouncements, that training and re-training
will be the highest priority in the Force; findings of this study reveal that training has
never been a priority in the Namibian Police since independence. To address these
deficiencies, this study recommends that the Police Management should do all they can
to implement capacity-building policies and programmes, to help in maintaining the
trust and confidence of the public in the National Police.