29 November 2013 - As part of efforts to transform the police force, 19 South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS) officers completed a two-week basic communications training course in Juba today.

SSNPS information officers, drawn from criminal investigations, wildlife, traffic, immigration, fire brigade, national headquarters and Central Equatoria State departments attended the training, which was organized by UN Police (UNPOL).

The course aimed to enhance officers’ knowledge in dealing with media, reporting information using different channels and organizing public information events and campaigns, UNPOL Public Relations Officer Danny Mwale said.

“We are aware of demands from the public for a good and well-functioning police … and the challenges faced by SSNPS,” said UNPOL Commissioner Fred Yiga at the graduation ceremony. “With the knowledge these officers have acquired, they will create a bridge of understanding between the public and the police.”

Mr. Yiga said the course was an indicator that SSNPS was beginning to form important units required for the proper running of a police force.

“You cannot be a good Public Relations Officer without having your country at heart,” he said. “Very soon, we will not be referring to South Sudan as a new country. It is your responsibility to nurture the country with what you have learnt and uphold discipline.”

Assistant Inspector General of Police Sebit Makelele told the graduates to consider themselves “blessed” to have been chosen to participate in the course, and to use their knowledge for the benefit of the police and community.

“The importance of media in this age cannot be over-emphasized,” he said. “As senior officers, we expect that the knowledge you now have will trickle down to junior officers.”

Maj. Gen. Makelele said it was an officer’s role to tell the public what the police was doing to deal with different challenges and ensure there was a balance to negative information.

Representing participants, Martin Ring Malek said they were ready to share information with colleagues and asked for training in other states, saying their number was just a “drop in a big ocean”.

“We want to assure our leaders that now, instead of being given fish, we are able to catch it ourselves,” said Col. Malek.