The missing point in bid to actualise police reforms

When the picture of Linda Okello in a tight skirt caused an uproar on social media, the Police department went ahead to reprimand her.

Well, the dress maybe inappropriate for her career, but why were Kenyans on social media quick to judge her in avalanche of comments, yet there are several ladies in many offices who dress in more weird outfits than Linda.

Linda has been working in the police service for over ten years and she probably is aware of the consequences of inappropriate dressing within the service. In her defence, Linda Okello said that the tightnening of her skirt was due to her body growth. The defence by the police officer may be justified. The question is, did Linda decide to reduce the uniform to fit her?

If you have been keen, you might have noticed that a number of police officers wear faded uniform. What this means is that the service doesn’t regularly supply the police officers with new uniform .The prison department is no different, its officers wear faded uniform.

That said, Linda did not buy her skirt or uniform, she was given by the police service may be a couple of years ago and it has not been replaced.

A few months ago, Johnstone Kavuludi commission was vetting top police officers in a bid to clean police service. I am not opposed to the vetting but then police reforms should go beyond the bench-vetting to assessment on the ground.

The conditions that the police officers work in is a major concern. Poor housing and underpayment among the police officers contribute to neglecting of duty. Police officers have families to provide for, they pay bills, and thus are entitled to fair remuneration.

You cannot pay a police officer a monthly salary of less than Sh20,000 then expect him or her not to take bribe. For instance, a terrorist or a druglord can easily travel from Mombasa to Nairobi through all the road blocks without arrest by compromising the police officers.

The police service should strike quick reforms. Proper housing, average salaries for police officers and replacement of police uniform with new ones. The Jubilee administration has promised insurance cover for the police in the coming year 2014/2015, which is a good move. The treasury should allocate money to building of new premises for the police in order to improve their living standards. The budget can also allocate funds for the purchase of new vehicles that can help the officers in patrols.

Quick reforms are needed to save the police service from sinking further.