Cellphone use prohibited for Police officers on duty

The Officer Commanding Police Masvingo Province has taken a bold step to boost discipline within the force. On October 28, 2024, a strict memorandum, numbered 2065/24, was issued to tackle the long-standing issue of police officers using their cellphones during working hours.

This move aims to address concerns about professionalism and focus on the job. Despite repeated instructions to refrain from using cellphones while on duty, some police commanders failed to enforce this rule.

With immediate effect, all members are prohibited from possessing or using personal cellphones during working hours. Cellphone use is strictly allowed during designated break and lunch periods only.

The memorandum states that if a member is found with a cellphone while on duty, the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of that member will be held accountable immediately.

To ensure compliance, the Officer in-charge must collect and securely store all cellphones in a designated safe or cabinet upon commencing duty.

To strengthen these regulations, all stations are required to integrate a cellphone usage clause into their Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Consequently, officers will be mandated to acknowledge that they have read, understood, and will comply with these updated procedures.