Oshikoto: Fifteen police officers from various police stations in the Oshikoto Region graduated from the Scene of Crime Pilot Training Course programme on Wednesday. The Namibian Police Force's Commander for the Oshikoto Region, Commissioner Ndeshipanda Iifo, announced the completion of the five-week training programme, which was introduced under a new approval structure for the Scene of Crime Sub-Division. This programme was expanded to address the length and high costs of the full Scene of Crime Officer course.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Commissioner Iifo explained that the pilot course was proposed to address ongoing understaffing issues and the inadequate number of training slots. Participants in the course were nominated and vetted for any criminal or departmental offences before being selected. The training included both theoretical and practical assessments, with a minimum passing score of 60 percent required.

Commissioner Iifo stated that the Scene of Crime Sub-Division will monitor the participants' performance when providing scene-of-crime services. Members will receive regular instruction to enhance their skills as they conduct their duties at crime scenes. She emphasized the importance of adhering strictly to procedures and preserving crime scenes, as any alteration could compromise the entire case.

The initiative is part of the Oshikoto police headquarters' ongoing efforts to invest in human capital training and strengthen crime scene investigations.