The Director of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Mohamed Amin, has called on the National Police Service (NPS) to embrace innovative technological solutions as a cornerstone of modern crime-fighting strategies. Speaking on Tuesday, December 3, at the National Police Service Leadership Academy in Ngong, Kajiado County, Amin addressed 80 senior officers participating in the County Commanders Strategic Leadership Course, underscoring the need for adaptive and dynamic approaches to law enforcement.
Amin stressed the importance of staying ahead in a rapidly evolving crime landscape where criminals leverage emerging technologies for illicit activities. “The dynamics of modern crime require a smart, adaptive approach. Criminals are quick to utilize emerging technologies to facilitate their illicit activities, and law enforcement agencies must deploy advanced investigative techniques that effectively counter these threats,” he stated.
Multi-Agency Collaboration for Effective Policing
Highlighting the value of teamwork, Amin urged law enforcement to foster multi-agency cooperation. This approach, he explained, ensures collective responsibility and efficient resource utilization, ultimately strengthening the fight against crime. By involving multiple agencies in crime prevention and investigation, law enforcement can address diverse challenges with comprehensive and unified solutions.
The senior officers were also challenged to align their practices with the NPS’s mission to transform into a world-class policing institution. This transformation, Amin noted, hinges on core values such as justice, integrity, equity, participation, accountability, openness, and civility. “These principles are essential in ensuring that the NPS delivers policing services that are not only effective but also respected by the communities they serve,” he added.
Leadership Training for Modern Challenges
The County Commanders Strategic Leadership Course is part of ongoing reforms within the NPS aimed at enhancing leadership and strategic thinking among senior officers. The five-week course focuses on fostering effective coordination among the Kenya Police Service (KPS), Administration Police Service (APS), and the DCI. This synergy ensures cohesive and efficient policing strategies that resonate with the needs of the communities.
Academy Commandant David Mathiu expressed confidence in the Leadership Academy’s trajectory toward becoming a premier training institution. He noted the institution’s commitment to instilling the highest standards of competence, integrity, and discipline through quality education and rigorous research.
“The goal of the course is to ensure senior officers are better equipped to handle strategic leadership roles. By building cohesion among various police units, we aim to strengthen the overall policing strategy,” Mathiu said.
Driving Reforms Through Training
Amin also pointed to the importance of reforms outlined in the 2023 task force report, which called for frequent training and capacity building within the NPS. These reforms aim to address the evolving nature of crime and align the service with international standards. Training programs like the Strategic Leadership Course are critical in fostering a culture of excellence, professionalism, and adaptability among officers.
Adapting to modern challenges requires a proactive approach, Amin noted, urging officers to embrace change and adopt innovative tools and methods. From leveraging forensic technologies to employing data-driven strategies, the future of policing lies in the ability to stay ahead of criminal trends.
Building Public Trust
Amin also emphasized the importance of community trust in effective policing. He argued that the success of the NPS depends on its ability to deliver justice in a manner that upholds dignity and respect for all citizens. By adopting an open and accountable approach, law enforcement can build stronger relationships with the public, ultimately fostering safer communities.
The police reforms and leadership training underscore a renewed commitment to enhancing the NPS’s operational efficiency and public image. Through strategic innovation, collaboration, and training, the NPS is poised to meet the demands of modern policing and ensure a secure environment for all.
