The Police Inspector General, Joseph Shikongo, has encouraged cadets to prepare themselves to become professional and disciplined officers once deployed.

Lieutenant General Shikongo said this as he addressed 1083 cadet constables who are currently undergoing a nine-month basic police training course at Ruben Danger Ashipala Training Centre.

The cadets, who began their training on 1 August 2025, are expected to graduate in May this year.

Lieutenant General Shikongo urged the cadets to go out and serve the community and the country effectively, efficiently, and professionally, while upholding high ethical standards.

"You find members of the community calling a particular police station; the phone is ringing 10 times, and nobody is picking it up. Is that effective policing? Don't go and do those things that people are doing; go and show them that you are joining a vibrant force."

He reminded them of the importance of professionalism, punctual response to incidents, and the willingness to make sacrifices, such as walking to emergency scenes when transport is unavailable.

"When you are in the charge office, you are called upon by the members of the public reporting a case. Then there are those elements telling the community we don't have a car. Why do you need a car from Ondangwa Trade Fair to Omwandi wakamanya? Why can't you walk? Why can't you organise a group of 3, 4 or 5 people? Immediately, within 3 to 4 minutes, you are there in the community, and now you are telling them, "No car, no service."

He further advised the cadets to always carry their operational equipment and pocketbooks to ensure they deliver timely and quality service to the public.

During the session, Shikongo also took the cadet constables through the police force's core values, establishment, mandate, strategic pillars, and objectives, reinforcing the standards and expectations of the institution.