By Adewole Kehinde
‘Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.’ – Steve Jobs
Professionalism is the quality, behaviour, or character of a professional person. It involves demonstrating a high level of expertise, integrity, respect, and accountability in one’s work or interactions with others.
Professionalism also includes qualities such as punctuality, reliability, effective communication, ethical decision-making, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement in one’s field.
Overall, professionalism is about conducting oneself in a manner that upholds standards of excellence and reflects well on oneself and one’s profession.
No wonder the 22nd Indigenous Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, organised a workshop on enhancing professionalism and standardisation in criminal investigation for all heads of police investigating/intelligence units across the country at the Nigeria Police Resource and Conference Centre, Jabi, on Monday, November 11th, 2024.
This conference was a platform to unite the efforts to uphold and enhance the integrity of the criminal justice system.
According to the IGP, by refining its investigative practices, the Nigeria Police is committed to safeguarding the foundations of justice, ensuring that police procedures are thorough, unbiased, and adhere to the highest legal and ethical standards. This commitment, according to the IGP, is crucial for maintaining public trust and enhancing the image of our police force within the community and the nation at large.
Professionalism in the Nigerian Police Force is a topic that has been under scrutiny due to various reports of misconduct, corruption, and human rights abuses. However, it is important to acknowledge that many dedicated and hard-working police officers in Nigeria have strived to uphold the highest standards of professionalism in their daily duties since IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun assumed office as Inspector General of Police.
To improve professionalism within the Nigerian Police Force, the IGP announced the implementation of child-friendly policing, as it is essential to modern law enforcement practices. Egbetokun reiterated that every interaction with a child, whether as a victim, witness, or even an offender, must be carried out with sensitivity and professionalism.
He further said to implement this, the Nigeria Police is introducing a comprehensive Child-Friendly Policing Framework that mandates specialised training for officers who engage with minors. This framework will include trauma-informed investigative techniques emphasising the importance of non-intimidating environments, respectful communication, and psychological support. By adopting these child-sensitive approaches, the Nigeria police are ensuring that minors are not subjected to further trauma during police investigations while fostering an environment that encourages them to cooperate with law enforcement.
IGP Egbetokun further said that to enhance accountability and maintain professionalism, effective immediately, the deployment of officers into and out of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and other investigative units will strictly follow the principle of mobilisation and demobilisation. This structured approach ensures that only officers who have been vetted and adequately trained are mobilised into investigative roles. He also said that demobilisation will follow a structured process where officers are withdrawn after their assignments to ensure a rotation that prevents the development of corrupt practices or entrenchment in certain roles.
This approach is designed to maintain a high level of operational integrity and impartiality in criminal investigations across the Force.
There is no doubt that criminal investigations require mandatory specialised detective training that goes beyond routine policing.
I agreed with the IGP that officers deployed to the CID or other investigation units must undergo comprehensive training programmes to ensure they are well-equipped to handle complex criminal cases.
The mandatory Specialised Professional Training Programme at recognised institutions such as the Police Detective College, Enugu, or other designated detective colleges in Nigeria for all officers to complete is a welcome development.
The Revised Advanced Detective Course at the Police Staff College, Jos that has been made compulsory for senior officers is timely as well.
According to the IGP, this training will cover advanced investigative techniques, forensics, legal frameworks, and the ethical obligations of detectives. Only those who meet these high standards will be certified as detectives, ensuring that the CID is staffed by capable, ethical, and professionally trained officers.
I was so excited to hear of the certification of detective officers as announced by the IGP. Egbetokun said that upon successful completion of the requisite training, officers will be awarded the title of Detective, signifying their expertise in criminal investigation.
This certification, he said, will reflect in their ranks (e.g., Detective Constable, Detective Corporal, Detective Sergeant) up to the rank of CSP, formalising their status as highly trained professionals. This designation not only elevates the role of detectives within the Force but also fosters a culture of pride and accountability. It will be a badge of honour that distinguishes officers who have committed to mastering the complexities of criminal investigation.
The ever-evolving nature of crime demands that police detectives remain at the cutting edge of investigative practices, and therefore the proposed annual detective workshops by the IGP are also a welcome development.
Egbetokun said that the annual workshops will be instituted to ensure detectives continually update their skills and knowledge. These workshops will cover new developments in forensic science, digital crime investigations, emerging criminal patterns, and legal updates. The workshops will be mandatory, serving as a professional development platform to keep our detectives informed and effective in tackling modern criminal challenges.
The proposed establishment of New Detective Colleges will make the Nigeria police the number one in Africa. Just like the IGP has said in recognition of the growing need for specialised training, the Force will propose the establishment of new detective colleges across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.
He reiterated that these colleges will serve as centres of excellence, providing robust training programmes not only for police officers but also for private detectives. The expansion of detective training facilities will increase access to high-quality education in criminal investigation, contributing to the overall professionalisation of investigative services in the country.
It will also foster collaboration between public law enforcement and private security providers, enhancing the effectiveness of the criminal justice system.
The creation of a new unit at the Force Headquarters was the major height of the workshop on enhancing professionalism and standardisation in criminal investigation.
The IGP said a new unit will be established at Force Headquarters tasked with overseeing the implementation of these reforms. This department will develop the modalities for mobilisation, demobilisation, and the continuous professional development of detectives, ensuring full compliance with the Police Act 2020 (as amended).
The department will serve as the central authority for all detective training programmes, deployment strategies, and policy enforcement, guaranteeing that the highest standards of professionalism are maintained across all investigative units.
To cap the workshop, the IGP said that officers in the intelligence department will also be required to undergo specialised training. Those deployed to intelligence roles must complete the basic intelligence training programme at the Intelligence School in Share, Kwara State.
Like their counterparts in the CID, their deployment will be governed by a structured system of mobilisation and demobilisation, ensuring that only well-trained personnel occupy sensitive intelligence roles.
According to Egbetokun, this process will guarantee that the Force’s intelligence operations are staffed by officers with the expertise required to gather, analyse, and act on intelligence professionally and effectively.
To improve professionalism within the Nigerian Police Force, efforts must be made to enhance recruitment processes to ensure that only qualified and ethical individuals are selected to join the force.
Training programmes should focus on ethics, human rights, conflict resolution, and effective communication skills. Additionally, providing adequate resources, equipment, and support for police officers can help improve their ability to perform their duties effectively and professionally.
Accountability mechanisms should also be strengthened to address misconduct and ensure that police officers are held responsible for their actions. Collaboration with civil society organisations, community engagement, and transparency in police operations can also contribute to building trust between the police force and the public.
Overall, promoting professionalism within the Nigerian Police Force requires a comprehensive approach involving reforms in recruitment, training, resource allocation, accountability, and community relations to ensure that officers can effectively serve and protect the citizens of Nigeria with integrity and professionalism.
Adewole Kehinde is the publisher of Swift Reporters and Media Consultant. 08166240846, kennyadewole@gmail.com @kennyadewole
