Re: Botswana Police Service and Local Police Force Merger

source: Republic of Botswana (9/5/09): TAUTONA TIMES no 13 of 2009
The Weekly Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President
"Democracy, Development, Dignity and Discipline"

C4) 8/5/09: Re: Botswana Police Service and Local Police Force Merger

Following the publication on the local media of a number of reports, which were often inaccurate and misleading, concerning the merger between the Botswana Police Service and the Local Police Force, the two Ministers responsible for the Botswana Police Service and Local Police Force, Hon. D.N. Seretse and Hon. A. Masalila respectively met to bring clarity to the issues raised.

1. The preparations for the merger commenced on 1st of April 2009 and will be completed at the end of August 2009.
2. The Local Police Act will be repealed after the completion of the merger.
3. All members of the Local Police will undergo a criminal history check and this will include fingerprinting all.
4. All members of the Local Police Force will undergo medical examination to ascertain suitability for service in the Botswana Police Service.  It is important that the merger should ensure that fit and proper persons are enlisted into the Botswana Police Service.
5. Botswana Police Service will assess competencies of Botswana Local Police at every level and design courses to complement any disparities if there should be between the Botswana Police and Local Police.
6. All members of the Local Police who have reached retirement age shall be retired by the Ministry of Local Government.
7. All Local police officers who are in the upper bracket of retirement age shall be absorbed into the Botswana Police and shall retire therein when reaching retirement age.
8. All members of the Local Police who do not satisfy entry or retention standards of the Botswana Police Service shall be re-deployed by the Ministry of Local Government.

Finally the Ministers wish to caution officers both in the BPS and LPF against addressing their grievances through the media without seeking clarity with their relevant organizations.  The public is assured that the process is done in good faith and with transparency and nobody will be unfairly prejudiced.

The two Ministries will continue to resolve any other administrative issues that may arise during the merger to ensure transparency and equity.