Police absorbs 845 special constables into service
Pini Bothoko | Wednesday December 17, 2025 06:00
They joined 28 new police recruits, bringing the number to 873 trainees who graduated on Friday in a ceremony officiated by President Advocate Duma Boko at an event attended by ministers and other senior government officials. Addressing the graduates, Boko challenged recruits to uphold integrity, professionalism, and compassion as they begin their policing careers.
Boko reminded the graduates that their authority comes from the people they serve, emphasising accountability and adherence to the rule of law.
“Even in challenging situations, always remember that your authority is granted by the people you serve. And it is to them that you are ultimately accountable,” he said.
Boko expressed confidence in the cohort, noting that their intensive training had adequately prepared them to serve the nation with honour and courage and in strict compliance with the law.
In a significant policy shift, Boko announced the complete discontinuation of the special constable programme, which was introduced in 2004 to bolster police manpower and enhance visibility. He explained that the government had gradually absorbed eligible special constables into full-time positions over the years.
“It has now become necessary to discontinue the special constable programme altogether, whilst retaining the accumulated expertise,” he said.
All serving special constables have now been fully integrated into the regular police establishment, a move Boko said would increase visibility, improve morale, and strengthen the institution's capacity.
Boko said the absorption of graduates comes at a crucial stage in BPS's transformation drive to build a more modern, technologically advanced, and community-focused police service.
He stressed that every officer is bound to uphold human rights and fundamental freedoms.
“These rights are non-negotiable, they deserve respect, and they deserve to be upheld,” Boko said.
Addressing the 28 graduates who are joining the service with no prior policing experience, Boko reminded them that policing goes far beyond combating crime.
“You will be expected to respond to emergencies, resolve domestic disputes, counsel the distressed, educate the vulnerable, reassure communities, and build partnerships,” he said.
He urged all officers to serve impartially and respectfully, adding that empathy and professionalism should guide every interaction.
As BPS continues its restructuring, Boko called on the new officers to contribute fresh ideas that can further the organisation’s modernisation.
“I urge you to contribute to effective policy by innovating more great ideas for police transformation,” he said.
The ceremony marked a historic milestone for the service, sealing both the end of the special constable era and the beginning of a new chapter focused on advanced policing, community trust, and upholding the nation’s constitutional values.