The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has called on Police Public Relations Officers across the Zones and Commands to collectively work towards strengthening police-community relations, promoting trust, and upholding the principles of accountability and respect in their interactions with the public.
The IGP, represented by the AIG Training and Development, AIG Yetunde O. Longe, said this at the two-day consultative learning workshop aimed at the exchanging of ideas and strategies enhancing police-public relations across the 36 states and FCT.
“In the current circumstances, where public perception of law enforcement is pivotal, police public relations officers have a critical responsibility to bridge the gap between the police force and the community. By engaging in proactive communication, building support, and promoting transparency, PR officers can help foster a positive image of the police and enhance public cooperation, she said.
The IGP further said that through strategic communication engagement initiatives, the police cannot only disseminate crucial information but also solicit feedback from the community and tailor their services to meet the specific needs of the people they serve.
Prof. Olu Ogunsakin, DG National Institute of Police Studies, Abuja, welcomed the participants to the institute and assured them of a conducive environment to learn and share their experiences.
The National Institute of Police Studies is the apex educational institution for Nigeria police. Its mandate is to conduct research and build leadership capacity for senior police officers.
In his remarks, the Country Director of International Alert, Paul Nyulaku, said that the two-day consultative learning workshop aimed at enlightening the public on the Nigeria Police Act, 2020.
The Nigeria Police Act 2020, was enacted out of the desire to have an effective and modern police force that is based on the principles of accountability, transparency, and protection of human rights in Nigeria. The Act repeals the erstwhile Nigeria Police Act, 2004 with its novel provisions.
For over 30 years, International Alert has been working to build positive peace and reduce violence, working across conflict lines and with all parties to conflicts.
International Alert has a proud track record of achieving change in fragile and conflict-affected countries and territories.
The programme is put together by International Alert with support from the UK Conflict Stability and Security Fund and the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office.
The Conflict, Stability, and Security Fund (CSSF) is a cross-government fund that spent over £870 million in the financial year 2021–2022. It has been a catalyst for a more integrated UK government response to tackling conflict and instability.
At the end of the workshop, participants are expected to use effective communication to shape the relationship between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve through the Police Act 2020.
