In a bold move to enhance its operational capabilities and reputation, the Ethiopian Federal Police has set an ambitious goal to become one of the top five police institutions in Africa within the next five years. This declaration was made by Federal Police Commissioner General Demelash Geberemichael during a recent discussion forum focused on the implementation of the 2018 budget year national plan and the police force's five-year strategic framework.
The forum, which convened law enforcement officials, policymakers, and security experts, emphasised the need for a comprehensive approach to modernising the police force. Commissioner Demelash highlighted that the Ethiopian Federal Police has made significant strides in maintaining peace and security over the past five years, attributing these achievements to the dedication and sacrifices of its personnel. He noted that both the army and police have played crucial roles in fostering stability, even contributing their salaries toward national projects such as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
"The sacrifices made by our forces have not only preserved peace but have also laid the groundwork for economic development. We are committed to building a police institution that is not only efficient but also respected across the continent,” Commissioner Demelash stated.
The Ethiopian Federal Police's strategic plan outlines several key objectives aimed at enhancing its capabilities. These include increasing community engagement, improving training programs, and adopting advanced technologies for crime prevention and investigation. The police force aims to foster trust within communities, recognising that public cooperation is essential for effective law enforcement.
One of the major initiatives discussed during the forum is the establishment of community policing programs designed to strengthen relationships between officers and citizens. This approach is expected to encourage residents to play an active role in crime prevention and reporting suspicious activities. By fostering a sense of ownership among community members, the Ethiopian Federal Police hopes to create safer neighbourhoods and reduce crime rates.
In addition to community engagement, the police force plans to invest heavily in training and capacity building. This will involve collaborating with international law enforcement agencies and organisations to adopt best practices and innovative policing techniques. The goal is to equip officers with the necessary skills to tackle modern challenges, including cybercrime, human trafficking, and organised crime.
Technological advancement is another cornerstone of the Ethiopian Federal Police's strategic vision. As part of its modernisation efforts, the police force intends to implement state-of-the-art communication systems, data analytics, and surveillance technologies. These tools will enhance operational efficiency and enable officers to respond more effectively to incidents.
Moreover, Commissioner Demelash emphasised the importance of transparency and accountability within the police force.
He underscored that building public trust requires a commitment to ethical conduct and adherence to human rights standards. To this end, the Ethiopian Federal Police will establish mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating performance, ensuring that officers uphold their responsibilities to serve and protect all citizens.
The ambitious plan comes at a time when many African nations are grappling with security challenges, including terrorism, civil unrest, and transnational crime. By positioning itself among Africa's top police institutions, Ethiopia aims not only to improve its internal security but also to contribute to regional stability.
