Why launch of digital OB will change how reported crimes are handled

A robbery victim Kaguchu Kimani was in his house in Thika town on November 6 when a gang of four broke in and violently robbed him and his family of cash and valuables.

He rushed to nearby Makongeni Police Station and reported the matter. Since then, there has been no forthcoming information from the police. Whenever he goes or makes calls to inquire about the progress of the case, the officers ask for his Occurrence Book (OB) number then go silent.

“Nothing has happened and yet it was a violent robbery. I know of many other pending cases there and wonder if they will ever get justice,” said Mr Kimani.

Authorities are now promising a shift of how things are handled on reported incidents following the launch of a digital OB at Nairobi’s Kasarani Police Station last week.

Inspector-General of Police Hillary Mutyambai launched the tool early Friday, at exactly 00.00 saying it will ensure accountability and transparency.

“The technology ensures that all entries made are a permanent record that cannot be edited, thus guaranteeing transparency and accountability in police operations at the station level,” he said.

• .

  Keep Reading

• 
  Mungiki back-up: Maina Njenga's hand in Ruto's mobilisation for Mt Kenya tour
• 
  Police to launch online platform to report crimes

According to the IG, the reports captured will be subject to monitoring by Ward, County and Regional Commanders as well as other top commanders.

The use of digital tools will eliminate manipulation of entries in the occurrence books, which some police officers have been notorious for.

The police boss said the commanders will now make follow-ups on cases reported to know the progress made daily. The launch is a pilot project in Nairobi and is set to be rolled out to other places next year.

“We will have a change in many ways. We don’t want to see officers fail to act on issues because of laziness and personal interests,” said Mutyambai.

Some OB entries have in the past disappeared, with some officers being blamed for plucking off the leaves.

The move is seen as a new chapter in the history of policing in the country by moving away from the old OB which was prone to many challenges.

This is in line with the government’s policy of digitising services that are critical to service delivery to Kenyans whose ultimate result will be a more effective, efficient and responsive Police Service.

Early this year, Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i unveiled the Digital Human Resource Information System for the police service.

The system incorporated the administrative procedures, the Occurrence Book (OB) and the Crime Management System.

"Police officers must embrace technology to keep pace with the evolution of crime, as we strive to provide the first-class service,” said Matiang'i, adding that change has come, and it requires that we have a responsible and responsive service.

Matiang'i said the system also supports the selection, recruitment, and management of police officers, deployment, performance appraisals, merit-based promotions, and transparent transfers.

"This system now gives the Inspector General a bird’s eye view of the National Police Service, making it easy to identify vacancies and the skills needed to fill in these vacancies.