Osayande Highlights Challenges Of Community Policing

The Chairman of Police Service Commission, Mr Parry Osayande, has reiterated that for community policing to succeed in Nigeria, a comprehensive training and re-training of members of the Police Force and the public would be required in order to change their orientation.

Speaking as chairman at the maiden Etim Inyang international lecture on Community Policing organised by the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) Rivers State Command last Thursday, Osayande said trust from members of the public is key to effective policing.

He said community policing is the approach that would help the Nigeria Police Force to regain the trust and confidence of the public, adding that it involved community consultation, cooperation and interdependence.

The chairman further stated that community policing is systematic, integrated and problem solving and described the theme of the lecture: “The impact of community policing on the global village, lessons for Nigeria” as very timely.

Osayande, a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, who was represented by Dr Otive Igbuzor also noted that peace and security of life and property in the world is a necessary pre-condition for development, although being threatened by new forms of crime, adding that “this is why policing is undergoing constant and rapid changes in the world”.

He pointed out that for effective modern policing in Nigeria, the police service commission must address the key areas of strategic-oriented policing, problem-oriented policing, proper organisation and management, respectful policing, the use of information technology and community policing, and thanked the organisers for their initiative.

In his remarks, the Inspector General of Police, Mr Mohammed Abubakar who was represented by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP Admin) Rivers State Command, said the idea was a welcome development as it captures an important stanza in the National Anthem, “the labour of our heroes past, shall never be in vain,” pointing out that the lecture was aimed at giving honour to the founding father of PCRC, IGP Etim Inyang in 1984.

Mr Abubakar said the potentials of community policing to ease the burden of law enforcement and positively impact on crime control management in the country cannot be over-emphasised, stressing that the PCRC model is Nigeria’s gift to the world of security management and law enforcement.

The National Chairman of PCRC, Alhaji Ahmed Tahir who was represented by his Deputy in-charge of the North, Dr Goddy Daminabo also eulogised the visionary qualities of PCRC, Rivers State Command, describing their activities as second to none, and appealed to other organisations to emulate the Niger Delta Development Commission in assisting PCRC, for peace and effective police community activities.

Also speaking, the PCRC National Chairman, South-South, Chief D.K. Badon who was represented by the Auditor, Chief Etim Bassey said he was very proud of PCRC in the state and enjoined them to keep the flag flying.

Earlier, the chairman, PCRC, Rivers State Commend, Hon Austen Yong who highlighted the history of PCRC harped on the need for community policing and promised to hold the lectures annually with more countries in attendance.

Yong noted that people know little or nothing about community policing as regards police reform and that for the police to perform their duties effectively, all hands must be on deck.

He disclosed that 18 divisions had so far held the Police Community Forum to enlighten the public on the need to collaborate with the police.