Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on Tuesday deployed 1,250 Special Constabulary officers for community policing across the state.
Community policing is an initiative of Muhammed Adamu, the Inspector-general of Police (IGP), to complement the efforts of the police in combating crime and criminal activities, especially at the grassroots.
Speaking at the passing-out parade of the Community Policing Special Constabulary officers held, held at Police College, Ikeja, the Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, appealed to all Lagosians, especially community leaders and associations to support the initiative by cooperating with the officers.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his chief of staff, Tayo Ayinde, assured the special police constabularies that his administration would provide everything needed to carry out their assignment efficiently.
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He said the passing-out parade of 1,250 officers who have undergone a series of training was is an indication of the commitment of the state government to community policing initiative.
Sanwo-Olu congratulated and commended the chairmen and members of the Lagos Community Policing Advisory Committee and the Community Policing Committee for the progress recorded so far with the community policing initiative.
“The issue of security and safety of lives and property has been a major source of concern, which requires deliberate and urgent attention by the government, and the cooperation of all citizens. In an attempt to address this challenge, there was a national consensus on the need to embrace community policing which has been identified as a potent strategy that will complement the efforts of the Nigeria Police to effectively combat crime and criminal activities.
“I want to appeal to all Lagosians to support this initiative by cooperating with these officers. They are no strangers but people that are known to you within your community. Let us embrace this initiative to improve the security and safety of lives and property within our various communities.”
Speaking earlier, the IGP, Adamu who was represented by Assistant Inspector General (AIG), Olasupo Ajani, advised the special constabulary officers not to see themselves as conventional police officers.
“You are expected to be a link and to build a good relationship between police and the general public. As you might have known, you as community policing officers are very strong stakeholders in maintaining law and order and the protection of lives and property.
“You should always remember the local knowledge you were taught and make use of it wherever you may find yourselves.
“Lastly, you are warned not to wear any other police uniform except for the black uniform issued to you. Do not wear blue or the camouflage uniform of the conventional police officers.”
