Police Service Commission cautions officers over social media abuse

THE Zambia Police Service Commission has expressed concern over the abuse of social media by some police officers. Commission Chairperson Peter Chingaipe explained that the tendency by officers to share confidential information to the public has a negative impact on the police service. Mr Chingaipe said people will lose confidence in the officers and the service as a whole if the tendency is left unchecked. He has since warned officers who are in the habit of abusing social media to desist or risk being disciplined by the service. He stated that the Zambia police has a mandate to maintain law and order in the country hence the need for men and women in uniform to conduct themselves in accordance with Zambia police code of ethics. He explained that the police service has procedures which have to be followed when one is aggrieved. Meanwhile, Mr Chingaipe has also warned officers against the misuse of fire arms. He said the commission is concerned that the misuse of fire arms has resulted in the loss of lives of innocent citizens. He said this when he addressed police and immigration officers in Kasama district yesteray He also advised officers to desist from engaging in politics and tribalism stating that such acts are against their code ethics. Mr Chingaipe stated that the commission will not defend any officer who is found abrogating the law as the Commission requires the officers to conduct themselves in an ethical manner. He has since called on the officers to conduct themselves in a professional manners both on and off duty.  And Zambia Police Human Resource Manager Victoria Kuzwayo educated the men and women in uniform on their entitlements such as leave. Ms Kuzwayo has also advised the officers to always seek guidance from their human resources officers on issues that affects them.  – ZANIS The Sun