Lesotho police has been playing a significant role in maintaining law and order in the country. Their service is known as the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS). It has been estimated that about 3,000 to 4,000 police are engaged in the police force of Lesotho. Lesotho police works under the Minister of Home Affairs and Public Safety.
Police of Lesotho are led by the Commissioner of Police. He is appointed by the Defense Commission. The responsibility of the administration and discipline of the police rests on his shoulder. Besides, the regional districts of Lesotho are under the control and management of Assistant Commissioners. The Defense Commission has the authority to remove the members of the police force of Lesotho including those engaged in prison service. The members of this Commission are:
- Prime Minister
- Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner of Police
- Commander and Deputy Commander of the Defense Force
- Director and Deputy Director of the National Security Service
The inspector of police looks after the performance of the police force of Lesotho. A special authority called the Police Complaints Authority has been established that reports to the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Commissioner of Police on any public complaint against the conduct of the police force.
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Lesotho police receive training from the South Africa Police Service. The financial side of the police department of Lesotho is inspected by the Auditor General of Lesotho. A civilian Directorate of Policing made by the government incorporates a standard control component. Private Security service in Lesotho is operational since 1990s.
