The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) on Tuesday started a week-long re-branding and refresher training course at Ntabazinduna Training Depot described as critical to the development of the force.
The police force has reportedly lost the respect from the public following allegations of corruption as well as heavy-handedness when dealing with protests.
Deputy police commissioner-general in charge of human resources, Mind Ngirandi, said the rebranding was critical in enabling the ZRP to discharge its duties. He said:
This is a critical moment for all of you because the eyes and ears of the nation are upon your next step as you seek to discharge your duties.
You must, therefore, embed yourselves in the people, engage them, and understand their daily challenges and social ills…in view of the chasm and disconnect that had characterised our services with the needs of the majority of Zimbabweans from whom we derive our legitimacy.
He added that the refresher training course was required as a matter of urgency;
It became clear to all of us that action was required as a matter of urgency in order to regain public confidence in the ZRP.
We thus embarked on a reform and restructuring exercise in order to re-align our systems and processes with the demands and expectations of the people.
Reports indicate that the ZRP is set to change its name to the Zimbabwe Police Service (ZPS).
However, some critics argue that a mere name change without a thorough revamp of the force is akin to changing the whip for a dead donkey.