Safety First! … A Career in Policing

There are few honourable professions in this world and policing is one of them. Sworn into their positions to serve and protect, police officers are the pillar of strong and capable communities where crime prevention is of the highest priority and standard.

The personality traits required to be a police officer include being a disciplined person who is physically fit. Warrant Officer Immanuel Lazarus from the Namibian Police (NamPol) says that well brought up people are usually the best when it comes to what makes a good police officer.

“A police officer is supposed to guide you to follow the rules and laws,” says Lazarus.

He adds that prospective applicants should be aware that whatever career path one wants to follow within the police force, whether it is accounting, law or communication you are still required to start off as a police officer. This means that you will have to go through a mandatory and gruelling six-month long training programme required for all entry level cadets.

To be a police officer means that you should be ready to maintain law and order for the preservation of the country’s internal security. You will be required to handle investigations of any offence or alleged offences, crime prevention in general as well as the protection of life and property.

There are many exciting areas of specialisation within NamPol. These include the drug squad, the air force (Air Wing), forensic science department and the VIP protection and many more.

With all these duties and putting your life on the line for the country, there still seem to be assertions that police officers in Namibia are generally underpaid. Sergeant Lazarus rubbishes the perception, as well as some media reports that said police officers are underpaid.

“That is a wrong perception and mindset for people to have. I have worked for 13 years at NBC as a journalist and when I came here (the police), I now earn just about the same,” he says. At the moment, he is employed in NamPol’s public relations department.

Another officer who worked her way into the ranks through hard work and persistence is 23-year-old Sergeant Fredrika Naukushu. Having joined NamPol in 2010, she says that helping people is one of the best things about her job.

“What I like about my job is the ability and powers you have in helping others.” She mentions qualities such as trustworthiness, transparency and co-operation as necessary in being a good police officer.

With the honour that goes with being a good, responsible police officer, one has to be prepared for a job that is not only stressful and demanding, but also very risky and dangerous. Everyday, police officers put their lives on the line for the greater good of society.

Naukushu also relates that sometimes, just because of the work that she does, some people tend to look down on her. “Some people call us uneducated, but I assure you, we are here because someone needed to be here, just like any other job,” says the proud sergeant.

Considering a Career in Law Enforcement?

To consider entering the police force, the following requirements should be met:

• One should be in possession of an authentic Grade 12 certificate with at least 20 points or higher in six subjects including an E symbol in English.

• You should have good knowledge of community-based programmes.

• Be free from mental or physical defects, disease or infirmity which will interfere with the proper execution of your police duties.

• Be willing to submit yourself for a complete medical test, that includes physical examinations and blood tests.

• Allow your fingerprints to be taken to determine previous convictions.

• Not have previous convictions of any offence under schedule 1.

• Be prepared to take a declaration of accession to office as contained in Schedule A of the Police Regulations.

• Have good communication skills and good command of the official language.

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