Embracing Intelligence-Led Policing in the Republic of Zimbabwe

The rise in crime in the year 2000 necessitated the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to realise that a reactive traditional approach was increasingly becoming outdated in the prevention and disruption of future incidents of crime. The Zimbabwe Republic Police introduced intelligence-led policing (ILP), as a key proactive measure to combat crime and its effects to the society. Despite this noble initiative, however, crimes have generally continued to rise. It is against this background that this study investigated the extent to which the ZRP has adopted the ILP, as well as the factors affecting the adoption of ILP in fighting crime. A descriptive survey method was used on a sample of 73 police officers, together with a documentary review of key policy documents. The study established that the ZRP has embraced the concept of intelligence-led policing through the establishment of the Criminal Intelligence Unit, which is manned by the District Intelligence Officer (DCIO), intelligence analysts and field intelligence officers. Availability of resource, adequate training, adequate manpower and a conducive organisational culture were cited as the key factors in the successful adoption of ILP. In order to realise maximum fruits of intelligence-led policing, the study recommends that the Zimbabwe Republic Police should consider acquiring more resources like computers, vehicles and recruit more manpower. Furthermore members should receive I.L.P training at initial training in their profession to develop their intelligence skills base early.