‘Career development planning a must for police’

The police service may not be a glamorous profession but it rewards one with the satisfaction of protecting society in fulfilment of the right to life as stated in the Constitution.

This was said by Alex Police Station personnel officer Herbert Bokaba at the National Police Day celebrations for the Alexandra Police Cluster.

Bokaba added that for police officers to excel and be satisfied in their jobs, they need a conducive environment to work in.

This he said was denied them in various ways including:

• Better opportunities offered by other organisations
• Poor personnel management
• Lack of promotion opportunities
• Poor retention opportunities and bureaucracy
• Job dissatisfaction, lack of challenges and confidence in the organisation
• Poor relations and conflict with co-workers and management
• Restructuring
• Poor communication and lack of trust in the organisation
• Problems balancing work and home life.

Bokaba said that some of the challenges were beyond the police organisation’s control and others could be mitigated through:

• Improvements in the work environment and financial rewards
• Career development planning
• Improved leadership and management style
• Improved communication and grievance procedures
• Addressing of factors that cause resistance to change and encourage job hopping.
• Bokaba urged for more communication between police station managers and the rank and file officers, and more sources of information to help subordinates plan, learn and gain experience on the job. He urged managers to be part of the subordinates’ journey of developing into efficient officers.