The Zimbabwe Republic Police is concerned with the rate of corruption and indiscipline, which is costing and tarnishing the force's image, a senior police officer has said.

Police Deputy-Commissioner General Levie Sibanda, said: "The organisation does not take lightly acts of misdemeanour and those found wanting should be dealt with accordingly."

Deputy Comm-Gen Sibanda was addressing 132 policemen and women who are undertaking diplomas in police studies, adult education, public relations and business management.

"In as much as education is fundamental to the development of a nation, it is equally of paramount importance to the development of any organisation, hence this decision by the ZRP to invest in its human resource," he said.

Deputy Comm-Gen Sibanda said in order to secure this investment and avoid being used as a training ground by other organisations, bonding should be adhered to.

He said the courses were tailor made to improve the officers' proficiency. "It is my conviction that this rich catalogue of courses will transform you into vigilant, professional and competent officers who are geared to provide quality service to the nation," Deputy Comm-Gen Sibanda said.

He said the force was operating in a dynamic environment with the ever increasing demands being placed upon their members.

Deputy Comm-Gen Sibanda said it was prudent for the force to explore functional measures to equip members with the requisite dynamism that would help them meet these challenges.

"This explains why we continue to form new partnerships with other training institutions such as the most recent one with Bindura University of Science Education.

"It is through such partnerships that this college now offers a diploma programme in public relations," he said.

He said the diplomas the officers were undertaking did not come on a silver plate.

He said these courses would go a long way in transforming the image of the force as well as their lives as individuals.

"As you pursue your studies at this college, do not lose sight of forthcoming events in our country, the Referendum and General Elections," Deputy Comm-Gen Sibanda said.