Police Academy in the offing, says Muluzi: University of Malawi to start degree in law enforcement

In an effort to upscale the number and standards of the Malawi Police Service, Government has disclosed plans to build an academy that will offer diploma and degree programs in law enforcement.

Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Atupele Muluzi disclosed this Thursday morning at Police Training College (PTC) in Limbe, Blantyre during a pass out parade for 1874 recruits.

Muluzi reiterated that the current shortage of police officers was negatively affecting security enforcement in the country.

“Internationally, one police officer is suppose to carter for 500 people yet the situation in Malawi leaves one officer being responsible for 1800 people,” explained Muluzi.

Muluzi, who said government will ensure increased police visibility in the rural areas, said training more police officers was thus the only way to go for Malawi.

“As a ministry we will continue to lobby for budgetary support to support the training of more officers in the country,” he added.

Muluzi also emphasized on the importance of internal security to foreign direct investments and economic development.

Inspector of police Lexten Kachama concurred with Muluzi, observing that the academy will assist in ensuring that officers get progressive training.

According to Inspector Kachama, the Police Service was also in discussions with the University of Malawi (UNIMA) to introduce a bachelors degree in law enforcement to benefit its officers.

Presiding over the parade, President Professor Peter Mutharika said his administration plans to train 10 thousand more officers to reduce the officer to civilians ratio.

“We also plan to recruit and train at least 10, 000 more police officers to conform to the United Nations guidelines for policing which is one police officer to 500 civilians. At the moment, the police civilian ratio is 1 to 1,300.

“Government is also working on improving issues of transport, officer accommodation but also housing for the officers. We are also already in the process of acquiring additional motor vehicles, modern weapons and equipment for the service,” stated Mutharika.

The passing out parade was one of its kind. It was the first time that the Malawi Police Service graduated 1,874 recruits.

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