MALAWI POLICE CHANGES UNIT’S NAMES FROM COMPANIES TO DIVISIONS

The Malawi Police Service (MPS) has changed its Police Mobile Service (PMS) units across the country in what they law enforcers say are attempts to improve services.

Under the new setup, PMS departments will no longer be called companies but divisions, and effectively what used to be called PMS D-Company in Mzuzu will now be called PMS Mzuzu Division.

Deputy Inspector General responsible for operations, Paul Kanyama, said the new changing process will among other things enable the units to be vibrant in their operations.

“Previously the unit was mainly responsible for public order but now with the restructuring it means that they will be involved in different issues including crime prevention and management. They will also be involved in all the duties as police officers just as their counterparts,” said Kanyama.

He said the decision to rebrand was arrived at so that all law enforcers in the unit should have proper job description and be able to be deployed for crime management.

Kanyama said he is optimistic that the government will provide resources to enable the PMS to work effectively, and further urged the corporate world to assist the law enforcers instead of relying on the government resources alone so that they should be effective.

Commissioner of police for the Northern Region, Agnes Gondwe, said the restructuring process is a welcome development stressing that it will help the police officers know their roles and responsibilities and also work efficiently in combating crime.