Namibian Police inspector general Joseph Shikongo says basic police training will now also include a module on financial and stress management.
This is to educate officers on how to spend money wisely and responsibly, he says.
Shikongo was speaking at the official opening of the Police Basic Training Course 1 of 2023/24 at the Ruben Danger Ashipala Police Training Centre at Ondangwa on Monday.
“You will be getting paid now, and many of you will go and spend money on gambling and alcohol immediately. I want this issue to be addressed, that’s why I’ve added these two modules,” he said.
Shikongo said the stress management module will allow officers to be educated on how to deal with stress, as they often work in highly stressful situations.
“The course also covers contemporary policing issues such as transnational organised crimes, and social issues like stress management, emotional intelligence and financial literacy,” he said.
Other, modules to be offered during the course are the basics of law, general policing, charge office administration and management, drill and musketry, and physical education.
Others courses provided are border and installation guard management, basic first aid, information and communication technology, public order management and basic traffic law enforcement.
“Policing is not just a job, it is a calling to serve and protect.
“It is very disappointing that some officers after graduation forget the police mandate. You must know our mandate by heart,” he said.
A total of 842 cadet constables were officially welcomed to their basic police training. The group comprises 572 men and 270 women who have been recruited from all 14 regions of the country.
“These men and women are ready to fight crime after the successful completion of this police basic training, which commenced on 1 August and will run for a period of nine months,” he said.
Shikongo said after graduation he will deploy 100 officers to the Border Guard and Infrastructure Protection Directorate, previously called the Special Field Force Directorate.
He said the force needs 28 000 officers to ensure the public is served.
POOR REPRESENTATION
He voiced concern over poor representation of the white community among the recruits and clarified that they were not excluded since vacancies were publicly advertised.
“This is one thing we need to address as a nation,” he said.
Shikongo said policing requires commitment, integrity and genuine passion to make a positive difference in the lives of others. He cautioned recruits that the eight months of their training will be intensive and extremely demanding.
“As such, you are expected and encouraged to display a high sense of dedication, discipline and commitment towards your daily activities during this course,” he said.
Shikongo urged the recruits to be disciplined, cautioning them that his office would not tolerate misbehaviour.
“Behave yourself. Always watch your shadow and know what’s right as some of you may still go if you are not behaving,” he said.
“Put more effort towards making the training environment enjoyable for yourselves and to the instructors. Always comply with all lawful instructions and abide by all the rules and regulations of the Namibian Police, he told the recruts.”
