President Samia Suluhu Hassan has called for deeper trust and cooperation between the Tanzania Police Force and citizens, stressing that effective national security depends on active public participation.

Speaking during the closing ceremony of training for more than 700 police officers and assistant inspectors in Dar es Salaam, she emphasised that community policing must be strengthened so that citizens view the police as a reliable institution for reporting crime and sharing security information.

She noted that when properly educated, citizens can play a key role in protecting one another and reporting criminal activities early, helping to maintain peace and stability in the country.

The President highlighted that modern policing requires broader knowledge, including geopolitics, legal frameworks, and social and cultural dynamics, due to the changing nature of security threats.She also stressed the importance of improving early warning systems within the Police Force and ensuring that all information is acted upon promptly.

According to her, lessons from previous security challenges have shown the need for faster response and closer collaboration between police, other security agencies, and communities.

President Samia further pointed out that technological advancement has changed criminal behaviour, introducing new threats across borders, roads, maritime areas, public spaces, and online platforms.She urged continuous training, institutional reforms, and the use of modern technology to strengthen efficiency and public service delivery.

She also referred to the 2022 Criminal Justice Commission report, which recommended reforms such as improving community policing and ICT adoption, noting that some progress has been made but continuous evaluation is still necessary.

Inspector General of Police Camillus Wambura reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to professionalism and ongoing training, while the Minister for Home Affairs Patrobas Katambi emphasised accountability and warned that officers violating procedures would face legal action.The government also continues to invest in constructing new police stations to improve working conditions and operational efficiency.