UNIMA's New Law Enforcement Graduates Poised to Elevate Policing Standards

The University of Malawi, through its Department of Management and Leadership Studies, recently celebrated the graduation of its inaugural cohort of the Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement, Management, and Leadership Studies on August 29, 2024. This program, developed with support from the Malawi Police Service (MPS), aligns with the university’s objectives to offer programs that add value to national development and security by training students who will directly benefit the Malawi Police Service and other law enforcement agencies.

The MPS was motivated to partner with the university to boost effectiveness, professionalism, and leadership within law enforcement by offering advanced training opportunities for their employees. Their involvement reflects a commitment to excellence, accountability, and transparency, thereby strengthening public trust. The program has garnered significant interest from police officers, with the first cohort including 26 MPS officers graduating. Currently, the program has enrolled 27 MPS officers and 3 members from the Malawi Defence Force (MDF).

According to Mr. Moses Bushiri, Desk Officer for Training at MPS, graduates of this program will have opportunities in roles such as station managers, heads of branches or sections, training and development officers, intelligence analysts, and police research officers. He also noted areas where the MPS believes the curriculum could improve, including fostering stronger community relationships and enhancing crime prevention skills.

Graduates of this four-year program are expected to critically analyse the application of current laws to various criminal and civil matters, and conduct investigations and interrogations, among other skills.

“The primary goal of the program is to provide a specialized and multidisciplinary degree that equips law enforcement officials with the necessary knowledge to effectively carry out their duties in policing, investigations, immigration, and correctional services,” explained Dr. Tiyesere Chikapa, the Head of the Department.

The MPS has played a crucial role in introducing the program through its support by providing personnel to teach various courses, share practical expertise and case studies, and also ensuring that the curriculum meets the real needs of law enforcement institutions. Additionally, the MPS has provided internship opportunities for students to gain practical knowledge.

Ms Tamandani Msokho, one of the graduates, stated that the program has transformed her. “My experience has been both rewarding and transformative,” she said. “It has offered me a solid understanding of law enforcement management and leadership. I completed practical training with Fiscal Police in Blantyre, where I gained hands-on experience in financial crime investigations.”

UNIMA is confident that this first cohort of graduates from the program will be able to perform and serve the nation in their different career paths in the law enforcement sector. The university remains committed to offering relevant courses for the benefit of the nation and its citizens through rigorous research and the formation of strategic partnerships.