Community policing in Tanzania, particularly the Polisi Jamii model, has effectively reduced crime and built trust between police and communities by helping people take ownership of fostering safety around them. However, challenges persist in Mtwara, Lindi, and Ruvuma, including theft, burglary, gender-based violence, and land disputes. Tanzania has introduced police reforms and collaborates with development partners to strengthen community engagement.
In a significant step towards enhancing community policing in southern Tanzania, the Jamii Shirikishi Katika Uzalendo Na Ulinzi project was officially launched on February 18, 2025, in Lindi. The project is funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Tanzania and implemented by GPF Tanzania.
Police officers and community members stand together after meeting on safety challenges in Tanzania.
The Jamii Shirikishi Katika Uzalendo Na Ulinzi project aims to promote trust, collaboration, and shared responsibility between the police and communities, fostering a safer and more harmonious society. It focuses on the Lindi and Ruvuma regions, specifically in the Nyasa and Nachingwea districts, with particular attention given to women, youth, and community police officers, ensuring their active involvement in the fight against crime and insecurity.
During his speech, the Ambassador emphasized the essence of the Ubuntu philosophy, stating, “I am because you are, and you are because we are.” He urged for the continued embrace of this spirit through the existing cooperation between the governments of the Netherlands and Tanzania. Ambassador noted that numerous projects are already creating a positive impact in Southern Tanzania, with this initiative set to further drive social change and community development.
The project launch featured a range of activities aimed at enhancing partnerships, including the distribution of mobile phones to community police officers. This initiative will enhance real-time reporting of security threats, improving response times and coordination.
In her remarks, Lindi District Commissioner, Hon. Victoria Mwanziva, stressed the importance of breaking cultural barriers to crime reporting: “There are prevailing societal beliefs that encourage silence on criminal activities, where cases are settled privately within households instead of being reported, this project will change that by encouraging communities to work closely with the police.”
Furthermore, DCP Henry Mwaibambe, the Deputy Commissioner of Police and Head of the Community Policing Desk at Tanzania Police, emphasized the importance of this project. He stated: “Since we established the presence of community police officers, crime has decreased by 35%. Why do we involve the community? So that we can have a society that values truth and is fact-finding by rejecting lies and rumors. This will help reduce social conflicts.”
The successful launch of this project is a testament to the growing commitment to addressing the challenges of crime and security in the region. The project has received widespread media coverage, including over 16 local media, and the Embassy of the Netherlands reaffirmed its dedication to supporting sustainable community security initiatives.
As the project progresses, continuous engagement with stakeholders and specialized curriculum-based training for community police officers and the local community will ensure its long-term success, driving positive change and reducing the crime rate across southern Tanzania.
