Police bank on public interaction centre to improve turnaround time for cases

The Police Criminal Investigations Directorate has received a public interaction centre put up in partnership by the government of Netherlands and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Speaking during the opening at Kibuli on Wednesday, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Regional Representative for East Africa, Ashita Mittal said having a public interaction centre is one way in dealing with crime.

“This is a great step towards policing but also a perfect example of using technology to solve crime. This facility is a great step towards the full cycle of managing cases. With it, every citizen will be secure if they know they have a responsive police,” Mittal said.

She said with the ever-changing face of crime, having a public interaction centre is crucial in helping members of the public report cases as they happen and this way, police can ably handle them as they come.

“This facility is also another important step in furthering the relations between the police and members of the public but also to enable them report the emerging trends of crime like cyber-crime, drug trafficking human trafficking and sexual abuse among others.”

She pledged continued support from the UNODC to police in several areas.

The Police Director for Human Resource Management, Brig Gen Jesse Kamunanwire who represented the IGP hailed the UNODC and the Netherlands government for always supporting the country’s criminal justice system to address crime prevention and ensuring public safety.

“This support is a statement of UNODC’s commitment to strengthening security in this country. It also serves as reminder of  our commitment, professionalism and accountability and community oriented approach to policing.  This facility will enhance our dedication, upholding rule of law, protecting human rights and responding to needs of the people,” Brig Kamunanwire said.

He said police looks to continued collaboration and cooperation with UNODC.

The CID deputy director, SCP Chelimo Beata who represented AIGP Tom Magambo said the new public interaction centre will go a long way in helping improve the turnaround time for cases.

“This centre will help solve a part of our problems. We will be able to improve turnaround time for cases. Members of the public will be able to report cases but also follow up on these cases to find out where they are,” Chelimo said.

She said the public interaction centre is part of their ongoing efforts to digitize case management.

“We want to digitize our systems so that all complaints are digitized but this new facility will help us have proper track of cases around the country and improve turnaround time.”

She applauded UNODC for the support in setting up the facility.