Namibia launches analytical crime unit
Combatting organised crime
The newly established unit is expected to play a key role in understanding criminal operations, leading to more effective investigations and improved case resolution rates.
Namibia has taken a significant step in enhancing its law enforcement capabilities with the official launch of the Namibian Police Force Crime Analytical Unit at the old Human Capital Management Directorate (HCMDir) Building in Windhoek.The inauguration was attended by stakeholders, including Ian Dupont of the EU delegation to Namibia, Police Major General Anne-Marie Nainda and Nathalie Richard-Bober of Project ENACT, alongside senior police officers and dignitaries.
Dupont underscored the EU's commitment to global security through strategic partnerships. He highlighted that organised crime transcends borders, threatening governance, peace and economic development.
He also emphasised that the EU supports numerous international projects to combat transnational organised crime (TOC), with Namibia being a crucial partner in this endeavour.
“The opening of the national analytical unit, supported by long-term mentoring from Interpol, will assist national police forces in adopting proactive strategies to combat organised crime,” Dupont explained.
He noted that Namibia’s unit joins a network of similar crime analytical units in countries such as Côte d'Ivoire, Congo, Togo, Nigeria, Gabon, Uganda, Malawi, Tanzania and, soon, Senegal.
Show of force
Major General Nainda praised the establishment of the unit, calling it a milestone in Namibia’s commitment to intelligence-led policing. “This unit will enhance our ability to analyse crime patterns, predict trends and develop targeted interventions to prevent, reduce, detect, interrupt and solve the crime,” she said.
A pivotal aspect of the launch was the recognition of the officers trained to operate within the unit. From the initial cohort of twenty trained officers, six have been selected to be deployed at the unit.
The newly established unit is expected to play a key role in understanding the mode of operation of criminals, leading to more effective investigations and improved case resolution rates.
Furthermore, its data-driven approach will enhance resource allocation, strategic planning and policy-making within Namibia’s law enforcement framework.
Nainda called for continuous collaboration with international partners such as Interpol to ensure that the unit remains adaptive to evolving crime trends. She also emphasised the need for sustained training and capacity-building initiatives to uphold high operational standards.