By Adewole Kehinde
Forensic science is a critical element of the criminal justice system, as it entails examining and analyzing evidence from crime scenes and elsewhere to develop objective findings that can assist in the investigation and prosecution of perpetrators of crime or absolve innocent persons from suspicion.
Smart Policing represents a strategic approach that brings more science into police operations by leveraging innovative applications of analysis, technology, and evidence-based practices.
In order to get every policeman abreast of contemporary policing, considering the fact that the place of forensic science in policing can never be overemphasized in this present day, where crimes and acts of criminality have assumed an alarming dimension in Nigeria, as a first step to addressing this major area of concern, the Acting Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, embarked on visiting various offices within the Force Headquarters to get first-hand information about each Section of the Nigeria Police Force.
Recall that the Acting IGP, after a comprehensive tour of the state-of-the-art National Command and Control Centre (C4i) facility and the Nigeria Police Crime and Incidence Database Centre (NPCIDC) at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, emphasized his commitment to integrating smart policing strategies into the Nigerian Police Force.
During the tour, the IGP reiterated the efforts of the Police Force in adopting cutting-edge technologies and urged officers to fully leverage these tools to enhance their operations and improve service delivery to the citizens.
I am very optimistic that the Acting IGP will improve the Information and Communication Technological skill sets of officers of the NPF as well as empower them with specialized skills to maximize the use of ICT for improved investigations, especially scientific investigation, operations, and data gathering intelligence activities.
In line with the vision of the Nigeria Police Force to foster stronger community engagement, the IGP also took the opportunity to encourage all Nigerians to embrace, download, and use the “NPF Rescue Me App.” This innovative mobile application provides a platform for citizens to quickly alert the Police Force in emergency situations, thereby facilitating prompt response and assistance. The “NPF Rescue Me App” is available on both the Android and iOS application stores for free downloads and usage.
I will advise Nigerians to take advantage of the “NPF Rescue Me App,” as many have given testimony of its effectiveness. It takes less than 10 minutes to download and add all the necessary information required to help the Police provide a prompt response.
In the same vein, the IGP directed all investigation units and police formations to instantly reactivate the use of the applications installed at the Nigeria Police Crime and Incidence Database Centre, where the biometrics and other relevant data and information of every suspect will be updated, and kept for improved investigations and record keeping, which will be readily available to police operatives to ensure a credible electronic criminal database to support investigations.
Similarly, in addition to the Digitalized Central Motor registry, which is already operational, the NPF is working on innovating in other areas paramount to security. Some of these, which would be unveiled within the year, include the Police Mobile Security Surveillance, which will, among other things, capture all motor parks, commercial drivers operating daily in Nigeria, and passengers plying various routes, including hotel lodging data; and the Domestic Help Registration, which will create and manage a centrally accessible database of all domestic help with verifiable previous employment data.
There is a need for the Federal Government to release sufficient funds to equip NPF’s ICT units. This will enable further confirmation of the procurement of additional top-notch ICT gadgets, software, etc., the establishment of more Forensic Laboratories and units, and the training of specialists and Forensic experts to manage the acquired assets judiciously to meet the present demands and challenges of insecurity in the country.
The Acting Inspector-General of Police has expressed his continuous commitment to modernizing the Nigerian Police Force through the integration of smart policing strategies. It is time Nigerians joined hands with him to ensure a crime-free society.
There is no doubt that the adoption of advanced technologies will revolutionize law enforcement operations and strengthen the bond between the police and the citizens.
Adewole Kehinde is the publisher of Swift Reporters and can be reached at 08166240846, kennyadewole@gmail.com
