03 Jul 2024

Botswana Police Service (BPS) seeks to partner with business organisations through the Adopt- A-Police Station initiative with a view to uplift the outlook of police facilities across the country.

Speaking during a breakfast meeting with members of the business community in Tlokweng on Tuesday, Minister of Defence and Security Mr Kagiso Mmusi said the initiative added impetus and diversity to the already existing relations between the BPS and business community.

The initiative provides an opportunity for business community to choose a police station to adopt.

Mr Mmusi said the initiative was mutually beneficial as the police stations would get their facilities upgraded while business entities stood to have their corporate image and goodwill strengthened.

“The limited police resource will be augmented as the exchange of ideas and expertise will also be enhanced. The imitative is in line with BPS community policing strategy which promotes the participation of local communities in crime prevention and adheres to BPS mission statement that commits to professional policing service in partnership with community,” he said.

Minister Mmusi said though competing with other national demands, government’s commitment and support in resourcing the BPS was notable and appreciated.

“Government will continue to support the BPS in ensuring that the business community operate freely and optimally in a security guaranteed environment, be it at the privacy of their homes, businesses or public places,” he said.

Minister Mmusi said crime was increasingly becoming complex and sophisticated with criminals taking advantage of emerging technologies.

He said as part of the mitigation, his ministry was building the capacity of police officers to operate freely in the cyber space.

“The Safer City project which is currently operational in Gaborone and is also being extended to Francistown with interagency collaboration, various stakeholder and the general public’s participation are some of the strategies geared towards improvement of public safety,” he added.

He said government was pleased to be partnering with the business community in terms of providing necessary security advice and escort and protection of high value consignment like diamonds.

For her part ,BPS Commissioner, Ms Dinah Marathe said the Adopt-A-Police initiative was indicative of her organisation’s commitment towards creating a conducive environment for effective policing.

Ms Marathe said by virtue of being the most frequented facilities by the public, they prioritised improving public areas such as the community service centres and restrooms.

She said the project would go a long way in strengthening partnership, boost corporate image and put a smile on the customers. She said it would bring stakeholders together and help in identifying and overcoming common challenges. Ends