The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, said the Nigeria Police Force has significantly enhanced its training and capacity-building programs for its Public Relations Officers to ensure they are equipped with the latest tools and strategies for effective public engagement.
IGP Egbetokun said this while declaring open the 2024 Conference of Police, PR Roles, and Communications Experts ceremony in Asaba, Delta State, with the theme, “Strengthening Nigeria Police Force Oversight and Accountability Mechanism.”
He also said that the Nigeria Police Force has noted a recent surge in the recirculation of outdated videos depicting police misconduct, urging members of the public to verify the authentication and timeline of videos before they share or circulate on social media
He said that many of these videos are several years old but have been presented as current incidents to mislead members of the public and attract criticism and condemnation of the police force.
“Accountability forms the cornerstone of public trust. and our unwavering commitment to enhancing oversight within the Nigeria Police Force is a testament to this principle. We have bolstered the capabilities of the Complaint Response Unit (CRU) to ensure swift and
thorough investigations into public grievances concerning police conduct. The CRU has been enhanced with a 24/7 feedback platform, allowing citizens to report incidents of misconduct as they occur. This initiative not only improves our responsiveness but also reinforces our dedication to transparency and justice, ensuring that every citizen’s voice can be heard and acted upon promptly.
“For convenient reporting, contact the Public Complaint Rapid Response Unit, DCRRU, via the following phone numbers. For calls, you can contact our Public Complaint Rapid Response Unit on 080570-00001 or 080570-00002. For text messages, you can contact our Public Complaint Rapid Response Unit on 080570-00003. We also have a Twitter account and email.
“Furthermore, we have significantly advanced the functionality of the Public Complaint Bureau (PCB) established under the Force Order to enhance its service delivery concerning public grievances. The PCB is now fully operational within every public relations office nationwide, providing an easily accessible platform for citizens to report police misconduct. Each complaint received is thoroughly documented, swiftly investigated, and, where warranted, corrective measures are promptly enacted. This robust system does not merely address grievances; it actively fortifies our dedication to
accountability, ensuring our actions align with our principles of service and integrity.
“We encourage and embrace scrutiny and simultaneously urge the media to highlight the commendable efforts of countless brave men and women in the force who risk their lives daily to protect our communities.
“This balanced approach helps nurture a positive relationship with the public and reinforces the critical role of the media in promoting transparency and accountability within our ranks. To maintain and build upon these achievements, we must continue to provide strong institutional support to the Public Relations Department.
“Our commitment to continually refining our communication strategies is unyielding. With a focus on aligning with global best practices, this ensures that each public interaction is crafted to foster mutual understanding and respect, further enhancing the effectiveness and professionalism of our engagements, he said
