The IGP pose for a group photograph with participants
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mrs Merlyne Yolamu PPM has hailed the diversion initiative as a catalyst in decongesting police cells especially for children offenders.
She was speaking on Monday, November 7, 2022 when she officially opened a two-day capacity building training on diversion and related issues on child protection at Central Region Training Centre (CRTC) in Lilongwe.
The training has attracted roughly 45 participants including the Station Officers, Investigation Branch Officers and Station Criminal Investigation Officers within Central West and East regions.
Said IGP Yolamu: "The children in conflict with the law can still be held accountable through the guidelines and standards available through the child justice system". The Child Care Protection and Justice Act of 2010 benefits both the young offenders and the duty bearers".
She observed that Malawi as a global member has ratified and domesticated several provisions in order to prevent the victimization of children.
"On a general perspective, we need to engage an extra gear in decreasing murder, suicide and sexual offences. Our tailor-made strategies must be aimed at reducing such cases to zero. Murder cases for example, impedes the sanctity of life", emphasized IGP Yolamu, citing 2022 crime statistics.
Speaking earlier, the Director of Community Policing and Rural Police Units, Mr Lovemore Mwabumba, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) expounded that the Police mission, vision and strategic plan are compatible to the diversion initiative.
"This course will equip the participants with best practices including successes, gaps and challenges on child protection. It will enhance service delivery by our key personel who are on the ground" said DCP Mwabumba.
In his welcoming remarks, the Commandant for CRTC, Senior Superintendent Francis Mlanga commended the IGP for taking time off her busy schedule.
"Your presence as guest of honour has captivated the atmosphere of the participants. They will definitely take interest in understanding and implementing the contents of this training" said S/Supt Mlanga.
The DCP for Central West Region (CWR), Mrs Jacqueline Kainja represented the Commissioner CWR at the event.
The Country Coordinator for National Child Justice Forum, Mr Ben Mvundula is one of the course facilitators.
According to www.britannica.com, diversion is any of a variety of programs that implement strategies seeking to avoid the formal processing of an offender by the criminal justice system.