PKSOI Lessons Learned Report January 2019 | Page 12

program’s successes quickly eroded, and old practices of revenue collection by
police for superiors returned to prominence.
In the wake of this short-lived reform program, low-ranking Congolese police officers
had the opportunity to express what they themselves would want to see in future police
reform efforts. By and large, they wanted generation of a positive image/professional pride
(conveyed among the public), recognition from the state/government as being an important
service, and support for working & living conditions. The police officers mentioned “pride
and honor” as the primary motivating factor and stated that new/serviceable uniforms would
considerably help in this regard. Their list of desires included: sufficient pay, suitable
uniforms/equipment, regular training, merit-based promotions, housing support, child care,
health care, pension, and help with transportation.
Based upon contextual analysis and inclusive of these police officers’ inputs, the authors of
the article upon which this lesson is based have presented several low-cost measures for
“locally-driven police reform” – as an impactful, financially viable, and sustainable way
forward.
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Address simple material shortcomings – e.g., provide uniforms, radios, office
equipment/supplies, etc. on a regular basis – to improve the basic working
conditions/essentials of local police officers.
For the currently existing police camps (where many police reside), get local
administrators involved to improve infrastructure (water, electricity, etc.), and
encourage donors to invest in camp facilities.
Improve operation of the existing health care fund for police – to fulfill basic
healthcare needs – and have the Inspector General of Police monitor this fund’s
activities to help guard against any misuse.
Understanding that many police contribute to informal Likilimba funds to help
with education, child care, food bills, etc., consider taking steps to formalize and
improve efficiencies of this mechanism.
Revive the police coaching program, whereby trained police coaches provided
mentoring for lower-level commanders and station chiefs on policing procedures
and helped instill a spirit of reform.
Strengthen the police-community meeting platforms by encouraging inclusion of
various donor programs (governance, education, and health) – to expand security
support, interfaces, resources, etc.
Examine the patronage payment system to identify which practices can harm
civilians, constitute human rights abuses, or undermine the police institution – and
work to address/change such activities.
The prevalence of the patronage payment system in this particular context is important to
understand, and it is equally important to deal with this system “by, with, and through” the
local stakeholders. Reassurances would need to be developed and provided to officials/
powerholders that their status can still be maintained – while low-cost, locally-driven police
reform measures are implemented in the interests of improving pride, honor, professionalism,
and performance of local police and the safety & security of communities.
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