FriendsNational Task Force on Police Reforms (created following the post-election violence of 2008) was presented with various views and made certain recommendations. I have included below some views and recommendations pertaining to technology.May be the Kenyan Police have a roadmap towards effective use of ICTs. For example what would be priority: automating the occurrence book (and use of intelligent data mining to design effective/efficient solutions), HR, Finance, etc or CCTV?On our part, we did prepare an unsolicited proposal in which we suggested a diligent approach to technology needs for policing, which would result in prioritization. We later learnt that the priority they had was acquiring CCTV, an idea we felt was being pushed by CCTV vendors rather than security priorities.NB: Kshs 8.5 billion? I hope someone has a good rationale.Here are the police views according to the reporta) Communication equipment within the police, particularly in rural areas, were found to be either absent, non-functional, or poor and outdated. This directly undermines the ability by members to access telephones, mobile phones or internet facilities to enable them to undertake their normal policing functions. Police investigators routinely use their personal mobile phones for official purposes, as they have no access to police communication systems. The Task Force was also informed that some criminals have superior communication equipment to that of the police, which enables them to intercept police communications.b) The investigative function of the police has been weakened by inadequate crime intelligence, lack of modern technology, reduced operational autonomy of the CID, transfer practices, and a re-active ‘fire fighting’ approach to policing.The Task Force noted that:a) Information and Communication Technology (ICT): The police services lack the basic ICT knowledge and skills, equipment and infrastructure. The lack of an effective electronic network and communication system, which connects police stations, undermines the ability of the police to use simple and cheap communication systems for policing purposes. The police are further not able to key in and preserve crucial information and data that would ordinarily help them not only track criminals but also to inform them on crime patterns or trends as well as assisting in case management.b) Cyber crime: This Task Force noted the increase in the use of information technology in the commission of crimes including complex frauds, computer hacking, credit cards scams, spreading of computer viruses, facilitation of human trafficking and child pornography using internet. It was clear that most police officers lack the most basic I.C.T. knowledge.The Task Force recommended, inter alia,(a)That the tooling, logistical and technological capacity of the police services be reviewed to establish the exact needs and specification in order to bring policing to international standards. Consideration should be given to prioritizing Communication and information technology and transportation.(b)That the use of CCTV cameras as a policing component particularly in major cities and our highways be incorporated in the National Policing Plan. The police should coordinate with the private sector to maximize and synchronize the use of CCTV to combat crime.(c) Legislation needs to be developed to make electronic, audio-visual, computer data and photographic evidence to be admissible in court.(d)That the capacity of Forensic Science Service Department (FSSD) be enhanced within the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to be staffed by civilian experts to enable the police concentrate on their core duties.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matunda Nyanchama, PhD, CISSP; mnyanchama@aganoconsulting.com
Agano Consulting Inc.; www.aganoconsulting.com; Twitter: nmatunda; Skype: okiambe
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