IGP launches community policing, seeks public cooperation

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris, has called for stakeholders, security agencies’ cooperation in ensuring the success of community policing in the country.

To this end, the IGP has equally setup a seven-man management committee that would work with his office and the police management team to monitor the programme.

Idris disclosed this yesterday at the launch of Community Policing Re-engagement Strategic Guidelines and Unveiling of Community Policing Logo in Abuja.

He said that the pilot phase of the programme was aimed at establishing a clear departure from traditional policing that was reactive and incident-based.

“It is on this premise that the Nigeria Police Force made the decision to review and develop a more inclusive strategic guidelines, “he said.

He noted that the launch of community policing would create a better interactive relationship that would lead to improved support and cooperation from the various stakeholders, adding that the programme would build sustainable partnerships with local communities, authorities and security agencies, among others.

He said that the programme would work with the various community police interactive platforms currently being employed by the police.

National President of Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) Dr. Faruk Maiyama said the launch of the programme would ease the work of policemen.

Maiyama called for a close working relationship between the committee and the office of the Force Public Relations Officer, while commending the IGP and his management team for refocusing community policing in the country.

National President, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Waheed Odusile said that there was the need to educate the public on community policing, adding that the inclusion of journalists in the community policing committee would help them to adequately educate the public on the programme.