Speaking in Gaborone at the Special Support Group (SSG) lecture hall, the Commissioner of Police warned the former Local Police officers that indiscipline will be dealt with accordingly. "Here we don't treat discipline matters lightly.

Sometimes I am too sympathetic, but looking at the responsibilities placed on me, I can also be ruthless, especially to those who behave in a way that will tarnish the good name of the organisation," he said.

Tsimako advised the officers to apply themselves wholly to service delivery.
Progression, he said, will be tough, since increase in personnel in the Botswana Police means that there will be a lot of competition.

He encouraged them to prove their worth and show their talents in order to progress. He said they should not think that they are new to police work, as they have been involved in the work at the local police level. "Don't feel like you are a visitor. Whom are you visiting?," he asked in rhetoric.

Tsimako said that the merger of the two police organisations has been no easy feat.
He said that some former members of the local police will not be absorbed into the Botswana Police Service, as they have not fulfilled the legal requirements as per the Police Act.

"An officer who is convicted of a criminal offence is supposed to be dismissed from service.

I am therefore obligated to vet all local police members before absorbing them into the BPS to ensure that they satisfy all the conditions of the law.

I must further qualify that the process of vetting local police officers is done in good faith and is not in any way intended to disadvantage anyone as others perceive it," he said.
The police chief added that the vetting of the officers is in line with best practices globally.

He gave the example of the newly established Directorate for Priority Crime investigation also known as the Hawks in South Africa. It is the successor of the Scorpions.

Tsimako said members of the Scorpions and South Africa Police Service (SAPS) were screened before joining the new unit.

He emphasised that the police is a noble and sacred service and there is a need to go through rigours such as screening to ensure that policing organisations continue to maintain their integrity and public confidence.

Some of the challenges that the new BPS will encounter include accommodation - both office and residential.

Tsimako said that they have always had a shortage of accommodation.
Some of the new officers will find themselves staying at the houses they occupied as local police officers until the BPS finds them alternative accommodation.

Despite the challenges, he said the officers' welfare and conditions of service will be improved.

"I have to reassure you that you will enjoy the same benefits and be subjected to the same conditions of service as the already serving BPS colleagues without any prejudice.

You will also be entitled to join BPS welfare schemes such as the BPS Savings and Loans Guarantee Scheme, Police Relief Fund and Group Funeral Insurance. I encourage all of you to join all these schemes because they are beneficial to both yourself and your families," he said.