The Chairman, Police Service Commissioner, Dr. Solomon Arase (IGP Retired) has blamed the poor implementation of Community Policing system in Nigeria on lack of trust in police by Nigerians.
Arase who was represented by the Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Olumide Sodeinde, was among speakers at the at the 39th Etim Inyang Anniversary Lecture to mark 39 years Existence of Police Community Relation Committee (PCRC) in Nigeria.
Speaking on the topic, ‘Achieving Effective and Efficient Community Policing Gains in Nigeria: Prospects and Challenges’, the ex-Inspector General of Police hinted that, “Community policing cannot be successful when there is a lack of trust or extreme fear by the members of a community”.
“In Nigeria, the police have created a bad image for themselves as they are seen to violate human rights instead of protecting lives and property. They use all forms of brutality on helpless citizens just for their selfish gain.
“Many Nigerians have developed unnecessary fear for the police and the concept of working with the police seems a major turn off for them”.
He added that another challenge faced by community policing in Nigeria is inadequate remuneration received by police officers. When police officers are not well remunerated, they tend to feel more reluctant in working.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Mohammed Dingyadi said it is gratifying to note that the laudable idea, for the establishment of Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), by leadership of the Nigeria Police Force in 1984 has continued to yield its desired result.
“This is evident in the fostering of partnership between the Police and the Community with a view to enhance efficient and effective policing through active partnership with members of the communities and critical Stakeholders across Nigeria.
“The 39th Etim Inyang Lecture Anniversary organized to honour the founder of PCRC, Retired Inspector General of Police, Etim Inyang, is thus, a means of appreciating police contributions to safety of lives and property, good governance and improved living standard in Nigeria.
“This event is therefore highly commendable and reassures everyone here present including serving officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force, that their commitment and contributions towards tackling crimes and criminalities will not go unrewarded.”
Dingyadi who was represented by Mrs Jaachinma Agu, an Assistant Director in the ministry.
The Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba lauded the PCRC for their effort in fostering peace in communities and support for Nigeria Police.
The PCRC leadership also recognized the wife of the Inspector General of Police, Hajia Hajara Alkali Usman Baba, Minister of Police Affairs, Mohammad Maigari Dingyadi, AIG Hamed lliyasu (Rtd), DIG Abdulmajid Ali (Rtd) and many others with award.