In Kenya, Police reforms need more than a change of guard

Khamati Shilabukha

A lot has been said about reforms, especially in law enforcement departments.

As we ponder on police and other reforms, we must ask: are our law enforcement officers professionals? Do they work in a skilled occupational group whose prime aim is to provide a service that benefits the public? Have we ever considered law enforcement to be a profession in which ethics and ethical conduct play an important role? And does our law enforcement training appreciate ethics and ethical standards involve doing the right thing at the right time, in the right way and for the right reason?

Many people consider Kenya’s as one of the worst criminal and civil justice systems in the world. The system has concerns it deals with regularly, especially a persistent negative image due to perception of unethical conduct. As our society evolves, the questions and concerns that involve ethics and ethical behaviour have become difficult to address.

Ethical standards have become more complex and are scrutinised by the public than at any other time.

As we set about reforming the police and courts, we must first reform ourselves. Citizens must adhere to certain values and norms. To follow these norms and to gain respect, law enforcement personnel will be expected to remain ethical both on and off duty. The code of ethics will represent the basis for ethical behaviour in law enforcement.

In addition, these codes must encourage law enforcement classification as a profession. However, these codes simply constitute words. For them to be effective, law enforcement officials and their leaders must consider them as the bible for law enforcement. Law enforcement personnel must not only believe in the codes but also follow them and display conduct that supports them.

This code must remain binding throughout the officer’s entire service. Our officer’s must always remember their fundamental duties are to serve the community; safeguard lives and property; protect the innocent against deception, the weak against oppression or intimidation, and the peaceful against violence ; and respect the constitutional rights of citizens to liberty, equality, and justice. They should also remember that officers must keep their private lives unsullied and recognise the badge as a symbol of public faith and trust.

Corruption is one of the ethical issues facing law enforcement officers. Police corruption is a specific form of misconduct sometimes involving political corruption, and generally designed to gain a financial or political benefit for a police officer or officers in exchange for not pursuing, or selectively pursuing, an investigation or arrest.

It is the lack of police integrity. It also constitutes one of the most significant obstacles to positive police-public relations in today’s society.

Law enforcement officers should not allow themselves to incur favours or become indebted to anyone. As public servants, they owe their services to society. To eliminate corruption, society must change officers’ beliefs and actions. However, administrators can take significant steps by ensuring quality leadership exists, screening applicants completely and providing quality training of personnel.

The writer is a research fellow at the Institute of Anthropology, Gender and African Studies, University of Nairobi.

[email protected]