MWE Correspondent
Tanzania’s Minister for Home Affairs, George Simbachawene, has revealed that President Samia Suluhu Hassan has issued clear and firm directives for far-reaching reforms within the Police Force, aimed at improving its performance and rebuilding trust between the police and the public.
Speaking in a special interview, Simbachawene said the reforms are intended to fundamentally transform the Police Force from an institution perceived as relying heavily on the use of force into one that prioritizes service delivery, protection, and cooperation with citizens. He emphasized that the changes are not driven by his personal initiative, but stem directly from the President’s vision for a modern, people-centred police service.
According to the minister, President Samia Suluhu Hassan wants Tanzanians to view the police as partners in ensuring safety and justice, rather than an institution to fear. He noted that public confidence in law enforcement is essential for maintaining peace, order, and effective crime prevention.
“There are people who think these reforms are my own ideas. That is not true,” Simbachawene said. “I have been instructed by the President to make sure relations between the police and citizens improve. Citizens should like and trust the police. Today, when a police officer faces trouble, some citizens celebrate, and that is not right. The police exist to serve the people.”
He described the current situation as unhealthy for both society and the Police Force, warning that hostility between citizens and law enforcement undermines national security and social cohesion. He added that rebuilding trust requires deliberate effort, humility, and a shift in mindset within the force.
Simbachawene explained that the government will closely consider recommendations made by the Commission on Criminal Justice Reforms, which was established in January 2023 and chaired by retired Chief Justice Mohamed Chande Othman. The commission was tasked with reviewing how criminal justice institutions operate and proposing reforms to improve fairness, accountability, and efficiency.
The minister said the police reforms will focus on two major areas: structural changes and mindset transformation. Structural reforms will address systems, procedures, and accountability mechanisms within the force. At the same time, mindset changes will target training, leadership philosophy, and daily interactions between officers and the public.
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He stressed that police training will increasingly emphasize professionalism, respect for human rights, and community engagement. Officers, he said, must understand that their authority comes with responsibility and that public cooperation is built through respect, fairness, and transparency.
“These reforms are about changing how police officers think and act,” Simbachawene noted. “We want officers who understand they are servants of the people, not their masters.”
Analysts say the proposed changes reflect a broader global shift toward community policing, a model that encourages collaboration between law enforcement and communities to prevent crime and resolve problems peacefully. When effectively implemented, the approach has been shown to reduce tension, improve intelligence gathering, and strengthen public confidence in security institutions.
Simbachawene added that restoring trust will take time and consistency, but insisted the government is committed to seeing the reforms through. He called on citizens to also play their part by engaging constructively with the police and supporting efforts to improve public safety.
The reforms come at a time when many countries are reassessing the role of law enforcement in society and seeking ways to balance security with respect for human rights. In Tanzania, the government believes that a service-oriented police force is key to sustaining peace, stability, and development.
