Rivers
Rivers CP Harps On Role Of PCRC In Community Policing …As Command Holds Workshop On National Security
As part of efforts to equip its members on the new modem of policing, the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Rivers State Command, has held a one-day National Security Capacity Building workshop in the State.
The event which has as its theme ‘The Strategic Role Of The PCRC In An Evolving Policing System In Nigeria’, attracted participants from all the PCRC command in the State.
Speaking at the event, the State Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, said that members of PCRC are essential in community policing and intelligent gathering, adding that their importance in crime fighting in the society can not be over-emphasized.
Disu said that the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had instructed Commissioners of Police across the states to ensure that they cooperate with members of PCRC in their various commands.
He noted that PCRC in Rivers State was exceptional, adding that the Police personnel work under undue stress.
The Police boss who delivered a lecture on the strategy and the role of PCRC, stated that when the IGP assumed office last year, he outlined the direction of the Nigeria Police in crime fighting.
He said that the IGP emphasized on community policing where the PCRC stands out, adding that in recent years, there have been various changes in the PCRC operations and responsibilities.
“The PCRC is a crucial bridge between the Police and the public. PCRC helps in improving Police accountability and transparency. It provides platform where citizens can complain.
“PCRC enhances intelligence gathering and information sharing between the Police and the public.They support crime prevention and community safety, facilitate conflict resolution between the Police and the community.
“It is clear that PCRC will continue to be essential component of evolving policing in Nigeria”, he stated.
In his address, the National Chairman of PCRC, Alhaji Ibrahim Olaniyan commended CP Disu for his zero tolerance for crime and criminality in the State which, according to him, has made the State peaceful.
He also commended the executives of PCRC in the State for the workshop, as well as the DPOs, Area Commanders and police personnel working in the State for their efforts, adding that doing police work in the State is like working in war zone.
“It is not easy. We thank IGP Egbetokun for posting an award winning CP to Rivers State. Criminals are now relocating from Rivers because with the CP, you cannot stay in the State.
Earlier, the Chairman of PCRC in Rivers State, Voke Emore, noted that the training workshop was essential to PCRC members so as to acquaint them with modern strategies of intelligence gathering and information sharing to the Police on activities of criminals.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of cheque of N250,000 to Mrs Peace Sunday, a widow of Inspector Sunday Baba killed by unknown persons.
Akujobi Amadi