Botswana Police Service
The Voice of the Customer Leads Us
Botswana Police Service
The Voice Of Customer Lead Us
Histroy Of BPS
1884
From 1884 to 1885
Batswana have always had a way of maintaining law and order in their communities from time immemorial. This practice commonly happened at a tribal level through regiments deployed by Chiefs to protect life and property. This early form of ensuring public safety can be regarded as the forerunner of policing in Botswana.
Formal policing in the country traces its roots to 1st July 1884 with the Bechuanaland Mounted Police (BMP) formation by the then colonial British Government, comprising about 100 European men. However, following some sovereignty conflicts in the region, a new organisation named Bechuanaland Border Police (BBP) was formed on the 15th August 1885, absorbing BMP to provide border security. Its headquarters was in Mafikeng, South Africa.
1884
1902
Protectorate until 1902
The same year also saw another police force named Protectorate Native Force formed by the Protectorate High Commissioner, made up of locals and operated alongside the BMP. The two Police Forces served together in the Protectorate until 1902, when they were merged to become Bechuanaland Protectorate Police (BPP). The BPP operated with two Police Divisions administered at Francistown and Gaberones (now Gaborone), respectively.
Police performed various roles. Besides law enforcement, the organisation’s responsibilities included supervision of cattle tracking for export markets, control of foot and mouth disease, sanitary inspections, collection of tax, prosecution, gaol and military duties, amongst others. The organisation was also accountable for immigration duties, with the Commissioner of Police also serving as Chief Immigration and Passport Officer.
1965
From 1965 to 1971
The era of independence brought significant changes within the policing environment. The headquarters of Bechuanaland Protectorate Police was relocated from Mafikeng to Gaborone in 1965. In 1966, Bechuanaland Protectorate Police was renamed Botswana Police Force in recognition of the independence of Botswana. The year 1971 saw the handover of police administration to the locals, with Simon Adolf Hirschfeld becoming the first Motswana Commissioner of Police. In the same year, the Police Force started enrolling women as police officers.
1965
From 1977 to 2008
The pursuit of efficient policing saw the Police Force shedding off some of its roles to specialise in law enforcement services. The Botswana Defence Force (BDF) was created in 1977 to take over military duties. The BDF was established mainly with the members of the Police Mobile Unit (a paramilitary wing of Botswana Police Force) known today as Special Support Group (SSG). In the same regard, the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) and Directorate of Intelligence and Security Services (DISS) were formed in 1994 and 2008, respectively.
1984
In 1984
The many years of a militaristic approach to policing would adversely impact public confidence in the police. There was limited sharing of information rendering the Police Force less effective in terms of law enforcement. In 1984, a transitional journey from traditional law enforcement to community policing began introducing crime prevention programmes such as Neighbourhood Watch, Cluster Policing, Volunteer Policing and Outreach Programmes for schools. These mediums aimed to promote a conducive environment for collaborative crime-fighting efforts with members of the public.
1984
1997
In 1997
The quest for quality service has been the central theme in the transformation process of the organisation. In 1997, Botswana Police Force was rebranded and changed its name to Botswana Police Service (BPS). This was intended to change the negative perceptions influenced by the history of the forceful approach to policing, marking the beginning of substantial changes in respect of service delivery factors such as customer focus and professionalism.
2004
2004 to 2009
With the ever-expanding and evolving criminal space over the years, the PBS carried out structural reforms. In 2004 there was the introduction of the Special Constable cadre. In 2009, there was a merger of the Central and Local police agencies; Botswana Police Service and Botswana Local Police Force. These two developments were a force multiplier and important components of the visible policing strategy.
The BPS currently boasts 19 Specialist branches, 5 Policing Divisions, 17, Police Districts, 82 Police Stations and 412 Police Posts. Policing in Botswana is now informed by Corporate Development Strategy and Annual Policing Plans, which came with the 1997 performance management reforms. This helps the organisation focus energy and resources in strengthening its operations, ensuring that employees and other stakeholders are working toward a common goal.
The BPS currently boasts 19 Specialist branches, 5 Policing Divisions, 17, Police Districts, 82 Police Stations and 412 Police Posts. Policing in Botswana is now informed by Corporate Development Strategy and Annual Policing Plans, which came with the 1997 performance management reforms. This helps the organisation focus energy and resources in strengthening its operations, ensuring that employees and other stakeholders are working toward a common goal.
2004
1885 to 2012
Former Commissioners
Beyond these over-the-years developments, the Botswana Police Service is now an organisation of repute characterised with a strong value system of Botho, Excellence, Integrity and Teamwork. International rating agencies have seen encouraging baselines in this journey.
List of former Commissioners:
1885-1893 Col. Sir Frederick C. Carrington
1893-1895 Good Adams
1895-1897 F.J. Newton
1898-1899 Good H. Adams
1899-1901 J.A. Walford
1901-1906 Ralph Champneys Williams
1907-1916 Lt. Col. Francis W. Panzera
1916-1917 Lt. Col. E.C.F. Garraway
1917-1923 Comyn James McGregor
1923-1927 Lt. Col. Jules Ellenberger
1928-1930 Rowland Mortimer Daniel
1930-1937 Lt. Col. Charles Fernand Rey
1937-1942 Lt. Col. Charles Noble Clarke
1942-1946 Aubrey D.F. Thompton
1947-1949 Anthony Sillery
1949-1955 Lt. Col. M.R.D. Lanley
1956-1971 Lt. Col. J.T.A. Bailey
1971-1995 Simon Adolf Hirschfeld
1995-2004 Norman Seduma Moleboge
2004-2007 Edwin Jenamiso Batshu
2007-2012 Thebeyame Edward Tsimako
2012-2023 Keabetswe Makgophe
2024 to date Dinah Marathe