The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Masvingo Central District has implemented a stringent new policy prohibiting the use of mobile phones by officers on duty, sparking debate about its practicality and potential impact on operational efficiency. The directive, outlined in a memorandum dated October 31st, 2024, aims to address concerns regarding the widespread disregard for previous, less strictly enforced, mobile phone restrictions.
The memorandum, addressed to all stations within the district, expresses the Officer Commanding’s frustration with the failure of commanders to effectively enforce existing policies against cellphone use during duty hours.
The memo explicitly states: “With immediate effect, no member is allowed to be in possession of a cellphone whilst on duty. Cellphones should only be used during break and lunch times. Once a member is found with a cellphone whilst on duty, the Officer in-Charge of the said member will be put to task. Upon commencement of duty, the Officer in-Charge should take possession of the cell phones and lock them in the safe or cabinet. All stations standard operation procedures should contain a clause governing the use of cell phones whilst on duty and members should acknowledge having read and understood the SOPs.”
The new policy mandates that cellphones be surrendered to the Officer in Charge at the start of each shift and stored securely until the break or lunch period. The strict enforcement measures leave little room for exceptions, placing the responsibility for compliance firmly on the shoulders of both individual officers and their supervising officers. Failure to comply will result in disciplinary action against the responsible Officer in Charge.
However, the policy’s implementation has raised concerns among some officers regarding its potential impact on their ability to perform their duties effectively. Many officers rely heavily on their mobile phones for crucial communication tasks, including calling for backup in emergencies, contacting ambulances at accident scenes, and coordinating transportation logistics. The absence of readily available alternative communication systems, such as reliable two-way radios, exacerbates these concerns.
The lack of readily available alternative communication systems raises questions about the practicality of the policy. While the intention to improve discipline and focus is clear, the potential disruption to operational efficiency needs careful consideration.
