EXPLAINER: Understanding police reservists, how they're selected and armed

National Police Reservists during a graduation/KITHURE KINDIKI/X

On Saturday, a multi-agency operation recovered two AK-47 rifles linked to the murder of two National Police Reservists in Igembe, Meru County, on April 7.

The officers recovered the rifles with empty magazines at Lemorijo village, Lengurma in Isiolo North Sub-county.

On April 7, three reservists were shot dead by armed raiders resulting to the launch of investigations into the attack.

On Monday, Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has ordered fresh vetting for all National Police Reservists (NPSs) serving in the Kerio Valley region.

Addressing a security meeting in the area, the CS noted those who pass the test will be retrained in service.

He also announced a new policy shift, stating NPRs will now be under the direct command of the Officer Commanding Police Stations (OCS).

The CS took issue with NPR officers engaging in criminal acts, saying the process to replace them has kicked off.

“We are creating proper camps for NPRs in Baringo, West Pokot, and Elgeyo/Marakwet,” Murkomen said.

Understanding police reservists

The National Police Reservists (NPRs) are civilians who are officially recruited, trained and authorised to assist the national police in maintaining law and order.

They are not full-time police officers but serve on a part-time or voluntary basis, especially in areas where regular police coverage is limited.

Police reservists are usually aged between 18 and 55 years, and serve voluntarily.

You must be an adult, law-abiding, and respected in your community to qualify.

NPR officers may receive allowances as determined by the Commission, but they are not entitled to regular salaries.

According to the National Police Service Act of 2011, the National Security Council determines the maximum number of reserve police officers.

Their mandates include maintenance of law and order, preservation of peace, protection of life and property, and, prevention and detection of crime.

NPRs have the authority to apprehend offenders and enforce all laws and regulations with which the Service is charged.

The Act notes that the reservists are provided with proper uniform, service identity cards and weapons.

The government provides police reservists with firearms, usually after their training and vetting.

Weapons are typically issued on a strict, controlled basis, and in some cases, weapons must be surrendered when they are not on active duty.

Ammunition and other equipment (like radios or protective gear) are also supplied by the state.

All existing NPR officers undergo vetting to assess their suitability and competence.

They are deployed in specific areas, with defined commands and supervision structures, and undergoes vetting and training before deployment.

They are typically deployed in rural, remote, or high-risk areas where full-time police officers are too few.

Further, an NPR is bound by the same requirements as a police officer and is supervised by the Service.

The Inspector-General undertakes the training of police reserve officers to ensure that they are conversant with the relevant provisions of the Constitution and the NPS Act.

Appointment and oversight

The Inspector-General advices the Service Board from time to time determine the command structure of the police reserve in a particular area.

Further, the Inspector-General may, by regulations, make further provision on any matter related to the command of the police reserve and in particular, specify how the reserve police officers shall relate with regular Service personnel on normal and on joint Service operation.

Police reserve officers are recruited by the National Police Service Commission upon recommendation and in consultation with the Inspector-General.

In places facing security threats (like banditry-prone or border regions), chiefs, local elders or other community leaders often recommend candidates, but final vetting is done by police and government security agencies.

They are then deployed in such areas as the Inspector-General in consultation with the National Security Council may deem necessary.

A certificate of appointment is issued to every reserve police officer and as evidence of the appointment under the NPS Act.

A reserve police officer is recruited in accordance with the rules and regulations developed by the Commission.

A reserve officer is enlisted and trained by the Inspector-General.

Usually they report to the Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD) or the local police station commander.

They are under the broader command of the Inspector General of Police, through structures like the county police commanders.

A police officer enrolled under the NPS Act serves for a period of five years and is not to be re-engaged.

This is notwithstanding subsection (1), where there is a state of war or emergency, or for as long as the regulations are in force, as the case may be, or for such lesser period as the Inspector-General may in any case or class of cases consider appropriate.

According to the NPS Act, police reserve officer is subject to discipline in accordance with standing orders, rules and regulations of the service.