The police officers' perception of the adequacy of surveillance training; a case study of police trainers and -field intelligence officers

Abstract

The current rise in criminal activities, posses a need for the police officers to be equipped with surveillance techniques . Surveillance training is therefore necessary for combating crime in Kenya and anywhere in the world. The study therefore sought to document empirical evidence on challenges facing surveillance at CID training school. This study therefore generated abase line data that can be used to determine the inadequacies of the training for intelligence officers. It also sought to identify ways of improving the training syllabus, and document the challenges encountered by field intelligence officers in their work.

The study was carried out at CIG Training School and CID headquarters, both of which were purposively selected. The target population of the study comprised of 100 intelligence officers from the Criminal Intelligence Unit which require surveillance technique and 18 CID trainers who were randomly selected from a total population of. Data was collected using questionnaires and a key informant guide. Descriptive statistics namely frequency counts and percentages were generated and analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS).

The study found out that CID training was inadequate due to insufficient basic resources such as Video recorders, cameras. tape recorders, binoculars. projectors. unqualified instructors, training facilities and time allocation to the subject. It was also established that there's, slow feedback from the senior commanders on recommendations for action by the field intelligence officers. The study further found out that there is under funding by the government to facilitate the training.

The inadequacy of resources such as finances, equipment and motor vehicles could be the cause of problems to intelligence officers as they carry out their work on daily basis. Lack of modern skills, equipment and techniques of combating crime exposes the officers to risks especially when they come in contact with well equipped criminals. This could be the reason why the intelligence officers are discouraged and have very low morale in fighting crime.

The study therefore recommends that the government should allocate enough funds and time to facilitate surveillance training. The study further recommends the introduction of refresher courses to the officers to enable them advance their surveillances kills. There should be proper coordination between the field officers and their managers to enhance the implementation of any recommendations made. Surveillance training should be included in the Kenya police training syllabus to equip them with skills and knowledge of identifying technical and experienced criminals.