Botswana Police Service (BPS) Recruitment & Interview Preparation Guide

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the historical chronology, leadership chronicle, operational divisions, rank insignias, statutory mandates, and interview standards for the Botswana Police Service (BPS).

Police Act (Cap 21:01)

The Act of Parliament under which the Botswana Police Service is legally constituted and derives its statutory duties.

Bechuanaland Mounted Police (1884)

The historical policing body established under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Frederick Carrington following British administrative protection initiatives.

Bechuanaland Border Police (BBP)

The force reorganized in 1885 to patrol national borders, prevent external encroachment, and maintain colonial border security.

Bechuanaland Protectorate Police (BPP)

The formal policing infrastructure created in 1906 under British colonial supervision, establishing centralized paramilitary police posts.

Botswana Police Force (BPF)

The national police institution established upon Botswana attaining national independence on September 30, 1966.

Botswana Police Service (BPS)

The institutional name adopted in 1997 via parliamentary reform to shift organizational culture from a rigid "Force" to a community-focused "Service" paradigm.

Mr. Simon Hirschfeld

The first indigenous Motswana Commissioner of Police (1971–1995), who led institutional expansion and modernization for 24 years.

Mr. Norman Seduma Moleboge

The Commissioner of Police (1995–2004) who led the 1997 structural transition to "Police Service" and oversaw modern community policing models.

Mr. Edwin Jenamiso Batshu

The Commissioner of Police (2004–2007) who oversaw the 2004 introduction of Special Constables to boost public safety, later serving as a Cabinet Minister.

Ms. Dinah Marathe

The substantive Commissioner of Police advancing digital policing, gender protection branches, and contemporary law enforcement standards.

Ministry for State President, Defence and Security

The parent government ministry overseeing the BPS, headed by Cabinet Minister Hon. Moeti Caeser Mohwasa.

Police Mobile Unit (PMU)

The reserve policing unit of the Botswana Police from which the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) was originally formed in 1977.

Special Support Group (SSG)

A paramilitary tactical reserve unit of the BPS responsible for high-risk operations, riot control, VIP protection, and counter-terrorism.

Criminal Investigation Department (CID)

The specialized operational branch dedicated to the investigation of serious crimes, homicides, armed robberies, fraud, and complex offenses.

Botswana Police College

The training institution based at Otse that conducts recruit basic training, in-service leadership courses, tactical drills, and research.

Crime Intelligence Branch (CIB)

The branch charged with tactical intelligence gathering, threat assessments, undercover surveillance, and crime pattern analysis.

Anti-Stock Theft Branch

A dedicated BPS operational branch established to combat livestock rustling, farm burglaries, and rural agricultural economic crimes.

Gender & Child Protection Branch

The branch specializing in Gender-Based Violence (GBV), domestic abuse, child exploitation, and vulnerable victim care.

The Five Operational Geographic Divisions

The territorial policing divisions of BPS: Northern (Francistown), Northwest (Maun), North Central (Palapye), Southern (Gaborone), and South Central (Lobatse).

BPS Vision

"To be a law enforcement agency of repute."

BPS Mission

"To provide a professional policing service, in partnership with the community."

Botho

A core BPS value signifying humility, respect, compassion, and human dignity in law enforcement interactions.

Maroon Stripe (BPS Flag)

The horizontal flag stripe symbolizing good conduct, high discipline, and moral standing.

Gold Stripe (BPS Flag)

The horizontal flag stripe symbolizing long service, honor, dedication, and institutional excellence.

Lion Emblem (BPS Flag)

The central badge device symbolizing vigilance, strength, sobriety, and courageous protection of the nation.

Commissioner of Police (COMPOL) Rank Insignia

National emblem on crossed tipstaves surrounded by a wreath, a star, and a national emblem above.

Assistant Commissioner (ACP) Rank Insignia

Crossed tipstaves surrounded by a wreath.

Superintendent Rank Insignia

National emblem on the shoulder epaulette.

Sergeant Rank Insignia

Three (3) downward chevrons on the arm sleeve.

Constable Rank Insignia

Blank black armlet / plain shoulder epaulette with service number.

Special Constable

A policing rank introduced in 2004 to enhance foot visibility and community crime prevention.

Section 6 of the Police Act

The statutory provision codifying the 8 primary duties of a police officer, including protecting life and property, preventing crime, and enforcing all written laws.

Pillar 4 of Vision 2036

The "Peace and Security" pillar of Botswana's national roadmap, covering national defense, crime reduction, policing excellence, and border integrity.

The Historical "5 Ds" of Development

Traditional governance roadmap principles of Botswana consisting of Dignity, Discipline, Development, Delivery, and Democracy.

Operation KgomoKhumo

An aggressive multi-agency enforcement campaign launched to dismantle rural stock theft syndicates in Botswana.

International Child Sexual Exploitation (ICSE) Database

An INTERPOL digital platform to which Botswana became the first SADC member state to connect directly in order to combat online child exploitation.

1971 Female Enlistment Intake

The first group of women recruited into the Botswana Police Service, consisting of an inaugural batch of eight (8) female officers.

Omang

The official National Identity Card of Botswana, required to be produced by candidates at all interview stages.