Police Force and Human Rights in Tanzania: Officers' Perspective from Songea Municipality

This study examined the perspectives of police officers on human rights practices within the Tanzania Police Force, focusing on Songea Municipality as a case study. Specifically, the research investigated the factors contributing to continued public outcry over police violations of human rights. A sample of 176 police officers was selected from a total population of 315 using simple random sampling techniques. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analysed using SPSS Version 25.0.  Findings revealed that despite regular training on human rights, inadequate follow-up and evaluation after human rights training lead to poor compliance. Also, weak accountability and disciplinary mechanisms within the police force lead to public outcry against the police. Furthermore, institutional pressure to obey superior orders can lead to the violation of human rights in the day-to-day execution of duties. Furthermore, the study found that a lack of transparency and communication between police and the community escalates public dissatisfaction with police work. Lastly, inadequate resources often result in poor handling of suspects, which has emerged as a major factor contributing to public uproar against the police. The study recommends that, in order to realise positive human rights outcomes in the Tanzania Police Force, reforms and training should be followed by robust, regular evaluation based on human rights indicators. Also, an oversight body that will audit the police force should be in place.