Migration From Manual to Fully Automated Police Operations Begins

The journey towards a fully automated National Police Service started today with the launch of the Digital Human Resource Information System in Kilifi County by the Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Fred Matiang’i.

Other key functions on schedule to be digitized are administrative procedures, the Occurrence Book (OB), and the Crime Management System.

It is the first time that such a record has been created in the history of the Service. It will be embedded on all levels of the National Police Service, which include the Administrative Police (APS), the Kenya Police (KPS), and the Department of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

The aim is to infuse accountability, efficiency, honesty and professionalism amongst our officers as part of the ongoing police reforms. This system will bear accurate, real-time data on each officer, including their recruitment, training, career progress, deployment, family records, and other related information.

The elaborate intranet system fully funded and developed by Kenyans in Kenya will enhance the ability of the National Police Service to share local information and intelligence within the security fraternity on a national and international scale as appropriate at the touch of a button.

Speaking during the launch, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior, Dr. Fred Matiang’i, said the system supports the selection, recruitment, and management of police officers, deployment, performance appraisals, merit-based promotions, and transparent transfers.

“This system now gives the Inspector General a bird’s eye view of the National Police Service, making it easy to identify vacancies and the skills needed to fill in these vacancies. Alongside other measures, we’re beginning to institute meritocracy over nepotism. It’s no longer about who you know, but, what you know,” Dr. Matiang’i said.

On his part, the Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and Technology, Joe Mucheru, described the system as a step in the right direction and challenged other government agencies and departments to emulate the same to counter the evolving criminal tactics.

“Embracing technology is no longer an option for all government departments, especially the security sector. We will make sure the police data gathered is secure through a biometric system,” Mucheru said, adding that the computer literacy training for police will be provided under the Presidential Digital Talent Programme (PDTP).

The Inspector General of Police, Mr. Joseph Boinnet, noted that the system will bring fairness in the police disciplinary process.

In this regard, a police officer’s track record will contribute significantly to investigating allegations of misconduct from members of the public or internally.

“A system like this provides supervisors with a way of dealing with rewards and discipline in a sober manner. A police officer’s work will speak for itself and determine a cause of action,” Boinnet said.

He also stated that migration from a manual to a digital system is testament to the National Police Service’s commitment towards transparency and accountability. He added that members of the public should expect to receive better service when the Criminal Management System is digitized.

“The disappearance of records will soon be a thing of the past as all Occurrence Books at police stations will also be digitized in due course. We will also be able to monitor how a case is moving, from the investigative officer to its logical conclusion,” Dr. Fred Matiang’i emphasized.

Some of the information the Human Resource Information System will capture includes, but not limited to; each officer’s biometric data, certificate of appointment, national identity card details, KRA PIN, family background, academic qualifications, rank, and service history. This information will be digitally available in the first quarter of the year.

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