No arrest without ID: Tanzania's police warns public against fake officers

The training, jointly organised by the Tanzania Police Force and Geita Gold Mine Limited (GGML), aims to strengthen grassroots safety through closer civilian-police cooperation.

“There have been increasing reports of abductions involving individuals dressed in police uniforms and using vehicles believed to be government-owned, yet they provide no verification. This is alarming and erodes public trust in law enforcement,” said Jongo.

She said that genuine officers are required by law to identify themselves, display their work ID cards, and state their assigned police station before making any arrest or conducting a search.

“If someone cannot do that, they are not a police officer. They could be a bandit or criminal impersonating law enforcement,” she said, adding that citizens are entitled to request proper verification before allowing themselves to be searched or detained.

Commander Jongo further explained that police officers conducting a search must be accompanied by a responsible adult—not necessarily a local government official—especially where conflicts of interest may arise. Officers are also required to show a valid search warrant and formal identification.

Speaking on the concept of community policing, Jongo said the initiative was established to empower communities to take ownership of their security, noting that “safety begins with the individual.”

However, she acknowledged that some individuals had misused the community policing framework, including reports of excessive force, extortion, and detentions at unauthorised “holding centres” operated unlawfully in local government offices.

“It is illegal for ward or village executives to run unofficial detention centres or place suspects in custody within their offices,” she warned.

Dr Ezekiel Kyogo, from the Police Headquarters' Community Engagement Unit, said the training also aimed at educating citizens about their rights and responsibilities in maintaining security.

“We are teaching the public that protection begins with them. Community policing groups must operate within the law—they are not allowed to use force or beat civilians,” said Dr Kyogo.

He raised concerns that some members of these groups were abusing their authority by harassing residents, issuing threats, or soliciting bribes—practices he said jeopardise the integrity of the community policing initiative.

Assistant Inspector Wilfred Willa, from the Police Gender and Child Protection Desk, said the sessions also addressed awareness on online abuse, noting that many people commit digital offences without knowing.

“Some parents share photos of their children online with good intentions, but forget that those images remain online indefinitely. As the child grows and assumes different roles in society, the same images can be a source of embarrassment or harm. That constitutes gender-based violence,” Willa said.

He noted that offenders risk up to three years in prison or a fine of Sh5 million—or both—under current legislation. He advised the public to refrain from sharing images or sensitive content online without consent.

Martin Matiba, a ward executive who participated in the training, said the sessions had equipped local leaders with greater understanding of lawful community engagement, encouraging authorities to mobilise citizens to reject mob justice and work collaboratively with the police.