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.

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