Ayodele Olalere
Lagos State government on Tuesday kicked off the much-anticipated community policing with the graduation of 1,250 specially trained Constabularies from the Police College, Ikeja.
The graduates, pooled from parts of the state were made to go through a series of training which would equip them to be able to assist the police in combating crime.
The state governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Chief Tayo Ayinde, said 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,’ he said.
“Today, major progress has been made towards making this initiative a reality. The passing out parade of 1,250 Special Constabulary officers who have undergone a series of training speciality designed to equip them with the skills required for the job is an indication of the commitment of
the government to this initiative.
I commend the state Commissioner of Police, the Commandant and everyone that has contributed to the successful execution of this initiative to this very crucial stage. ”
The governor urged the recruits to be effective in discharging their duties one of which is intelligence gathering.
“You must understand that you have been recruited to perform a very important job which is about improving the existing security architecture and making it more
effective.
Your major responsibility is to support the operations of the State Police Command through the provision of credible and timely intelligence on activities within the community which might result in perpetration of crime and threat to the safety of lives and property. ”
Sanwo-Olu warned the graduates to “operate within the operational guidelines that have been given to you,” and urged Lagosians to “support this initiative by cooperating with these officers.”
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police(AIG), Olasupo Babatunde Ajani, reminded the recruits “to work harmoniously and symbolically to protect lives and property thereby reducing crime and criminal activities to the barest minimum in Lagos State.”
“You are expected to be a link and to build a good relationship between police and the general public. 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.”