The Chronicle

BULAWAYO, Monday, May 10, 1992 — Policemen must know how to behave properly and work harmoniously with the public to reduce criticism of the force, says the Deputy Officer Commanding Matabeleland South, Assistant Commissioner Mike Ngwabi.

Closing a five-day community liaison officers’ seminar in Bulawayo on Friday, Asst Comm Ngwabi said the force had been receiving more criticism than praise. He said it was therefore necessary for policemen to know how to behave when dealing with the public.

He commended the community relations officers for enhancing public cooperation through the holding of lectures on police duties and explaining individual rights.

The seminar, which was conducted by the Bulawayo Legal Projects Centre, dealt with the problems faced by the police when dealing with domestic violence, family problems, rape, baby dumping and infanticide.

Speaking at the ceremony, a spokesman for the Bulawayo Legal Projects Centre said the course had been a resounding success.

He commended the community relations officers for always being ready to assist members of the public who could not afford the services of a lawyer.

He called on the 22 seminar participants to share the skills they had acquired with their fellow officers. He said the seminar would have been meaningless if the senior officers did not understand and appreciate the work of the community.