South & West Africa Mission (SWAM)

Mr. Gannon, Mr. Price, and D/C/Cst. Lucy wish to acknowledge the leadership and initiative of Mr. Jaco Jacobs, a lawyer in Windhoek with Theunissen, Louw & Partners, and Managing Director of SWAM. As a citizen of Namibia, a resident of Windhoek, and a leader in the community, Mr. Jacobs had the opportunity to witness the formation and early growth of the Windhoek City Police. Through contacts and conversations with Chief Kanime and others, Mr. Jacobs recognized an opportunity for SWAM to play a role in assisting in further development of WCP through his contacts in Canada. The police exchange programme was a vision of Mr. Jacobs that he was able to successfully facilitate, and the future viability of the programme remains promising.

For further information about the tremendous work that SWAM is responsible for refer to http://www.swam.ca/

Wrapping Up

Monday morning included the departure for home by Mr. Price and Mr. Gannon. D/C/Cst. Lucy's itinerary included 2 more days aimed at working on details for a visit to Abbotsford by WCP and Namibian Police representatives, likely at the end of June and the first week of July.

The morning also included a visit and interview by both the photographer and a reporter from "The Namibian" seeking more details about the programme in order to prepare a more detailed article.

The afternoon had been set aside to meet with the Mayor and some members of Council; however, unfortunately, a number of them were ill and a quorum could not be established for the meeting. Instead, D/C/Cst. Lucy worked with Chief Kanime and Asst. Superintendent Shililifa on bookmarking websites such as APD, Police Services, and the JIBC, as well as providing electronic versions of APD policy and procedure, organizational structure, and strategic planning for WCP's future reference.

Time In The Field

Friday morning included final presentations and discussion on policies and procedures, training, and the Police Board.

Following lunch, the delegation was driven to a main roadway in the city where Traffic and Crime Prevention (Patrol) officers conducted a 'roadblock'. This consisted of approximately 14 police vehicles and at least as many officers. The roadblock was conducted in a most professional manner, beginning with a 'briefing' done while the officers stood in a parade-like formation. The roadcheck included checking for drivers' licences, vehicle registrations and road worthiness, as well as occasional searches of the vehicles (permitted by law in Namibia).

Upon departing the roadblock, and only approximately half a kilometre away, the delegation came upon a serious traffic crash that had just occurred. It was learned later that although there were some serious injuries, there were no fatalities, or life-threatening issues, so it made for an excellent opportunity to observe the police and emergency services at work. An unusual feature of this crash was that it resulted in 21 injured people in just 2 vehicles! There were 2 or 3 in a pick-up, but a further 18 or 19 in a small passenger van. A local photographer for "The Namibian" newspaper was at the scene and also photographed the Canadian police representatives at the scene. A follow-up article about the programme will apparently appear on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Meeting the Mayor

Thursday morning consisted of a two hour meeting with Councillor Matheus K. Shikongo (Mayor) in his office with several assistants and City CEO Taapopi. It was a very engaging discussion regarding Police Board, Policing and his City. In Windhoek there is a total of 16 councillors elected. Annually, in May, the elected councillors decide amongst themselves which of the 16 will hold the position of Mayor. Councillor Shikongo has been Mayor for the past 8 consecutive years.

The delegation then drove to the Central Business District for a walk-around, meeting and greeting citizens. All, not many, but all expressed appreciation of the presence of the Canadian delegation offering assistance to the Windhoek Police. The group then drove to the 'informal' settlement again seeing poverty. Families living in tin sheds no larger than a small Canadian bedroom.

The afternoon was spent at the ESF for detailed discussion on strategic planning and policy and procedure structure.

Chief Kanime concluded the session by listing three specific commitments:

1. Plan to review and revise values, mission, and vision;


2. Develop a five year strategic plan within 12 months;


3. Review Policy and Procedure for policies relevant to WCP, then prioritize to adapt and fit WCP.

Progress!

Half Way Home

Ted Price and Brian Gannon have had the privilege or opportunity of being in several developing countries providing assistance. They are accustomed to being like the Willow Tree - not like the Oak. The delegation has adapted to the schedule or shall I say often times 'developing' schedule with ease. Those in Canadian policing are used to structure - being used to meetings being on time - having policies practices and procedures in place. Some cultural flexibility and understanding is required here.

The Police here want assistance. They have accessed the internet and have sought out a Canadian policing partner. They appreciate how the Canadian Police have approached community diversity in comparison to other nations who have 'offered' to impose their policies. It is interesting to note that shortly following Independence in 1990 that NGO's from the Kitchener area provided assistance in Namibia. Through a series of meetings and visits of Canada Windhoek developed their municipal structure on the Kitchener, Ontario model.

They are so appreciative of Canadian police being here. Deputy Lucy has to answer many many questions in the classroom - the classes go far beyond the allotted time - showing the level of interest.

The initiative by the Abbotsford Police is certainly in keeping with the Canadian Federal Government's attitude of helping others.

Wednesday morning included a trip to an impoverished portion of the city. The open market with meat exposed to the burning sun on bacteria laden wooden tables and with millions of flies ensuring they get their share of the meet prior to it being sold to the poor people. Women tend to their meagre displays of dried worms, spinach and fish trying to eke a few pennies to purchase food for their families. Mr. Gannon and Mr. Price were so proud of Deputy Chief Lucy when he sampled a Mopani worm - yes folks he did it - and enthusiastically bit into the worm - then examining its contents, which won't be elaborated on at this point prior to him devouring the other half. Mr. Gannon and Mr. Price watched Deputy Lucy for the necessary 24-hour period to ensure there were no lasting medical challenges!!

The morning ended with a return to the Emergency Services Facility (ESF) for further presentations on organizational structure, strategic plan, policy and procedure with the Police.

The afternoon took the Canadian delegation to the Namibian National Police HQ where they met Lt. General (Inspector General) S. H. Ndeitunga and approximately 12 of his Senior Staff, including the Officer-In-Charge of "the men who wear dark glasses'' (surveillance personnel).

The second half of the afternoon was a tour of the Namibian Police College which opened in May 1998. It has a residence capacity of approximately 250 and is used for advanced programs. Following a presentation by Commissioner Des Shilunga he provided a tour of the facilities that includes an indoor shooting range, parade square, swimming pool, classrooms, library, etc. The delegation ended their visit with a group photo at the Memorial for Fallen Namibian Police Officers. Since Independence in 1990 there have been 4 members from the Senior Ranks added, 84 from the Constable and Sergeant Ranks, the most recent addition in May 2007, a car crash. On November 26 each year the flames are ignited by the Namibian President in respect of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Again, the days have been long, yet fruitful.

It is important to note that while training facilities and other items exist, the reality is that actual delivery of service to the people by the Namibian Police lacks in some respects. When called by a citizen they often cannot attend as they do not have sufficient resources. Since the City Police has been established, they have taken on the responsibility to respond to calls fór help from the citizens. Many citizens have shared their appreciation that when they call for help a police person comes.

APD Presents to WCP

Tuesday morning was the opportunity for the Abbotsford delegation to present to more than 60 representatives of both the Windhoek and Namibian Police organizations. Mr.Price provided an overview of Canadian policing and concluded with pertinent information on the role of Police Board. Deputy Chief Constable Lucy continued with an overview of the Abbotsford police with special emphasis on Community Policing, Recruitment, Selection, and Training. The presentations were very well received as the Abbotsford Team's time was completely exhausted by the plethora of questions emanating from the Namibian Police. The actual fact was that because of the many questions on Canadian Policing that Chief Kanime had to rearrange Wednesday's schedule to again have his officers present for more information and discussion.

The afternoon included a tour of the security measures in effect at City Hall followed by a visit to the WCP Dismark dispatch center located in the city's central business district. There, the delegation was met by Superintendent Kellerman who described the measures they employ when confronted with incidents of vehicle thefts and/or thefts from vehicles. In many cases these incidents conclude with the application of deadly force. Perhaps not surprisingly crime incidents of these type tend to be infrequent!

Chief Kanime and his staff continue to be excellent hosts. The Canadian contingent enjoys the Chief's selection of music on his vehicle cd - Jim Reeves and Johnny Cash!!

Getting Down to Business in Windhoek

On Monday morning, following a weekend to recover from travel and meet informally with Chief Kanime and Assistant Superintendent Wycliff Shililifa it was time to commence the formal programme. This began with a visit to the office of the Windhoek CEO, Niilo Taapopi (City Manager), who officially welcomed D/C/Cst. Lucy, Mr. Price, and Mr. Gannon to the city.

The group then accompanied Chief Kanime to the Fire Department to participate in the inspection of a parade of new members of three of the units within the Windhoek Emergency Services: Crime Prevention (Patrol Officers), Traffic, and Emergency Services (Fire). Chief Kanime provided welcoming remarks and D/C/Cst. Lucy addressed the parade.

The balance of the morning was spent touring the fire facility, the Windhoek Police HQ, including their dispatch system.

Chief Kanime used the afternoon to provide a full overview of the Windhoek Police organizational structure and departmental functions.