NCJ Number
79604
Journal
Police Review Volume: 89 Issue: 4625 Dated: (September 25, 1981) Pages: 1872-1875
Date Published
1981
Length
4 pages
Annotation
An overview of Malawi's (Africa) history is provided, and the organization, training, responsibilities, and personnel practices of the police force are described.
Abstract
Malawi, which became independent on July 6, 1964, after 73 years as the British Protectorate of Nyasaland, is a land-locked country south of the equator stretching 560 miles north and south and between 50 and 100 miles east and west. The Malawi police evolved from the former Nyasaland police formed in 1920. In common with other colonial police forces, it was entirely officered by Europeans, until after World War II, when a program of Africanization produced the first appointed African Commissioner in 1971. The size of the force is about 4,000 for a population of about 5.5 million. Politically, the country is divided into three regions--northern, central, and southern. The southern region, which is the most populous and industrialized, is divided into the southern division, with police headquarters at Blantyre, and the eastern division, with police headquarters at Zomba. The other two police divisional headquarters are at Lilongwe (central division) and Mzuzu (northern division). The divisions are divided into districts, and each district headquarters will control several police posts and rural police units. At all levels, contact with the public is emphasized. Recruits receive 6 months training and then perform duty for a year before returning to the training school for more training. The force also has an officer training school. Some officers are sent to Britain to attend specialist schools. Housing is provided for the personnel, with a nominal rent deducted from salary. Officers are able to retire at age 40 and must retire at the age of 50. Photographs and an organizational chart are supplied.