The Police Force in Zimbabwe Legal provisions relating to police Under the Constitution of Zimbabwe the Police Force, the Zimbabwe Republic Police, (or the ZRP) is given the function of preserving the internal security and maintaining law and order in Zimbabwe.11 The Police Force is under the command of a Commissioner of Police. The President appoints the Commissioner in consultation with a Board comprised of Presidential appointees.12 There is a Police Service Commission consisting of persons appointed by the President. This Commission may, after consultation with the Commissioner, carry out any inquiry or investigation into the practices of the Police Force.13 The Police Act14 gives the President and the Minister of Home Affairs the power to give general directions to the Police Force. The Attorney-General has the power to require the Commissioner of Police to investigate and report on any matter relating to the commission of a criminal offence, and the Commissioner must comply forthwith.15 Increasing size of police and other law enforcement agencies The size of the Zimbabwe Republic Police force has been greatly expanded, and its expansion has coincided with increasing levels of political repression within the country. The size of the force in early 2006 was about 23 000. In May 2006, the Minister of Home Affairs, Kembo Mohadi, announced that the force size was to be increased to about 50 000. He said that his Ministry has sought for $21 trillion from Government “for the upkeep of officers and 100 percent expansion of the force through recruitment of officers” and 15 trillion has already been released.16 It is thought that there are between 8000 and 10,000 personnel in the Central Intelligence Organisation. The unit is under President Mugabe’s direct control. It has a separate and large budget that is not subject to audit by the Auditor-General. Over the last three years its budget 11 Section 93 12 This Board consists of the Chairman of the Public Service Commission (who is appointed by the President, the retiring Commissioner (if available) and a Secretary to a Ministry appointed by the President. 13 Section 55 of the Police Act [Chapter 11:10] 14 Section 11 of the Police Act [Chapter 11:10] 15 Section 76(4a) of Constitution read with s 12 of Police Act. 16 Sunday News (Zimbabwe) 28 May 2006. Who guards the guards? Violations by the Zimbabwe Republic Police, 2000 to 2006