African Police Resource Network

Botswana

Country Background
Botswana became independent in 1966 with the Bechuanaland Democratic Party (BDP) dominating political rule since then. The country is currently under the presidency of Festus Mogae. 

"Formerly the British protectorate of Bechuanaland, Botswana adopted its new name upon independence in 1966. Four decades of uninterrupted civilian leadership, progressive social policies, and significant capital investment have created one of the most dynamic economies in Africa. Mineral extraction, principally diamond mining, dominates economic activity, though tourism is a growing sector due to the country's conservation practices and extensive nature preserves. Botswana has one of the world's highest known rates of HIV/AIDS infection, but also one of Africa's most progressive and comprehensive programs for dealing with the disease". Population is  1,815,508 (CIA World Fact Book 2007).

Botswana Police
The Botswana Police Force –who do not generally carry firearms – falls under the Office of the President and is headed by a Commissioner.   The Botswana Police Force, according to their Corporate Development Strategy 2003-2009 is committed to “respecting, protecting and upholding the fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual.”   The police also promote principles of community policing and conduct public opinion surveys to promote good relations and communication with the public. (Berg, J. (2005) Police Accountability in Southern African Commonwealth Countries. Cape Town: Institute of Criminology).

"The Bechuanaland Mounted Police was founded by the British colonial administration at the outset of the Bechuanaland Protectorate in the mid-1880s. It evolved into a fairly conventional colonial constabulary as the Bechuanaland Border Police, then the Bechuanaland Protectorate Police, before becoming the Botswana Police Force at independence in 1966 and, ultimately, the Botswana Police Service".  Henk, D. 2004. The Botswana Defence Force in African Security Review Vol 13 No 4, 2004.

Police Officers total 6497 which makes a 1:2500 ratio of civilians to police. (Gould, C & Lamb, G. eds .2004. Botswana in "Hide and Seek: Taking Account of Small Arms in Southern Africa. ISS p.36).

Please find a list of all documents in our database relevant to Botswana. Use the checkbox next to each line to expand more detail about the file, including the option to download.

Category	Date	Title	Detail
Country Websites	2007	The World Factbook: Botswana
Description: Up to date information giving an overview of the country, its geography, demographics, government, economy, communications, transportation and military. A map is included. Author: Central Intelligence Agency Source: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/bc.html
Country Websites	2007	Republic of Botswana
Description: Information on the Police Force on the website: Section 6 of the Botswana Police Act stipulates that the force shall be employment in and throughout the country to protect life and property, prevent and detect crime, repress internal disturbances, maintain security and public tranquillity, apprehend offender, bring offenders to justice, duly enforce all written laws with which it is directly charged and generally maintain peace. For the performance of their duties under this act, Police officers may carry arms. The police shall also perform such military duties within Botswana as may be required of it under the authority of the President as Commander–in–Chief of the armed forces. The Police Department is divided into three divisions, namely North, South Central and South. The divisions are headed by Divisional Commander. The Police services are divided into eight branches namely; General Duties, Criminal Investigation Department, Special Support Group, Special Branch, Traffic, Telecommunications and Transport, Police College and Departmental Management. Publisher: The Government of Botswana Source: http://www.gov.bw/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1
Legislation	1996	Constitution of Botswana
Description: Botswana has a constitution which was enacted in 1966, and allows for corporal punishment and the death penalty and many other provisions related to torture which are contrary to international human rights treaties which Botswana has signed. (Ditshwanelo 2004). Botswana’s constitution addresses the issue of use of force when affecting arrests, whereas most other countries have opted to address this issue specifically in their criminal procedure act and other legislation. Botswana’s constitution permits the killing of a person in order to make a lawful arrest or to prevent the escape of a person lawfully detained – this is a controversial issue in many, if not all, of the Southern African countries see Berg, J available online: http://www.policeaccountability.co.za/CurrentInfo/ci_detail.asp?art_ID=326 Author: Republic of Botswana Source: http://www.botswanaembassy.org/pdf/constitution.pdf
Policy	2003	Corporate Development Strategy 2003-2009
Description: The Corporate Development Strategy (2003–2009),is developed around the four goals of Crime Reduction, Community Policing, Human Resource Development and Facilities and Support. Author: The Republic of Botswana Source: http://www.gov.bw/docs/cover.pdf
Publications	2003	Case of Botswana Police Service
Description: This presentation by the Botswana Commissioner of Police was made at the Commonwealth Advanced Seminar in Wellington 24th February to 8th March 2003. It briefly outlines the reforms needed in the Botswana Police as outlined in their Strategic Development Policing plans. Author: Moleboge, N.S. Publisher: Commonweatlh Advanced Seminar, Wellington, New Zealand Source: http://www.commonwealthseminar.org.nz/Papers/2003/Norman%20Moleboge%20-%20Botswana%20Police.pdf