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B N W: Biafra Nigeria World News |
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IG at retreat, lists benefits of community policing
AFTER a long time of operating the old-fashioned reactive method of combating crime in the country, the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Tafa Balogun, has said there was need to adopt a proactive and people-friendly strategy.
Balogun said it was the need to change the predominantly reactive style of policing the country that made him to fashion out an eight-point strategy upon assumption of office, making community policing the cornerstone of the war against crime.
According to him, the new strategy is necessary because the perception of the public is that the police are not effective and proficient as they should be.
Balogun, who spoke at a workshop on community policing in Jos yesterday, said: "We are therefore, now working on a holistic change in the way we provide services to the people of Nigeria. In order to change these negative perceptions towards the police and to earn the justifiable confidence and trust of members of the public, we are developing community policing."
He defined community policing as not only responding to distress calls and solving crime, it also means transforming the police to adopt a more proactive approach to their responsibilities where crimes are prevented before they occur.
The IG said: "It also means forging partnerships with residents, business owners, community leaders, government departments and agencies to solve community problems and improve the quality of life in our communities".
He also said that as the country begins to grapple with the challenges of elected government, the need for the police to change from its military style of enforcing law to democratic policing that respects human rights, cannot be over-emphasised.
The measure, he said, would bridge the existing gap between the police and the public.
According to him, community policing is founded on the principle that is a democratic society, the police are entrusted by their fellow citizens with the responsibility of protecting and promoting their fundamental rights to liberty, fraternity and justice under the law, "which is policing in conformity with democratic norms".
The workshop attracted many senior police officers and other personalities.
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