Botswana: The closing ceremony of the Law Enforcement Leadership Development (LELD) Program was hosted at the Botswana International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA). The Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (SACP), Anthony Wally, officiated at the event.
The officials have shared that the event was hosted on Friday with the aim of promoting collaboration between Botswana Police Service and ILEA. The Deputy Director, Forensic Science Services spoke at the event.
He acknowledged the relationship that existed between Botswana Police Service (BPS) and ILEA. He said that the two continue to drive the bilateral agreement between Botswana and the United States of America.
SACP Wally noted that the course was crucial for law enforcement leaders to equip them in handling the diverse challenges that come with being a law enforcement agent. Furthermore, he highlighted the shift realised in crime, diverting it from physical areas to borderless digital platforms.
The Deputy Director, called participants to utilise their newly acquired competencies in influencing change in the law enforcement environment, growth of their organisations and countries.
Howard Van Vranken, the USA Ambassador delivered brief remarks at the event. He appreciated Botswana Police Service (BPS) and the Ministry of Defence and Security for their constant support to ILEA and its programmes.
He highlighted that the partnership was incredibly essential as it contributed towards the peace and stability of Africa and the world.
The Ambassador also congratulated participants for their commitment towards the course. He encouraged them to keep the established network awarded by ILEA which has automatically made them alumni members. He further urged them to leverage the Network and continue to invest in themselves.
Van Vranken added that collaborations and partnerships forged through ILEA programmes will enable law enforcement agencies to collectively combat trans-national crimes.
The Ambassador also recognised facilitators and ILEA’s Acting Programme’s Director, Mr Derrick Tolliver for their hard work towards the empowerment of law enforcement officers in the region.
The programme ran for three weeks and was attended by 33 various law enforcement officers from Botswana, The Gambia, Senegal, Togo, Tanzania, Cote D’ivore and Gabon.