By Onomiguren Agbamu
The Police Service Commission, in furtherance of its commitment to addressing human rights violations within the Nigeria Police Force and deepening the principles of community policing, the Delta State Police Command, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, held an interactive engagement for police officers, community leaders, members of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), and other critical stakeholders.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a press release on Saturday in Asaba, Delta State capital.
The stakeholder engagements featured the Police Service Commission consultant on community policing/technical advisory on human rights violations and allied infractions, Dr. Olayinka Balogun, PhD (CP rtd.), as the resource person.
Olayinka engaged participants on the critical subject of community policing, with particular emphasis on police constitutional powers, citizens’ rights during police intervention, and the need to strengthen trust and cooperation between the police and the communities they serve.
During the engagement with officers, the PSC consultant emphasized the need for professionalism, adherence to due process, and strict compliance with fundamental human rights standards in the discharge of policing duties.
He also addressed the recurring issue of police involvement in civil disputes, including land matters and other civil matters, stressing that officers must remain within the bounds of their constitutional and statutory responsibilities.
The session provided an opportunity for officers to seek clarification on practical policing challenges and legal issues encountered in the course of duty. Questions were raised on various aspects of law enforcement and human rights, while detailed responses and professional guidance were provided by the facilitator.
Addressing the officers, CP Yemi Oyeniyi encouraged the officers to internalize the lessons from the engagement and remain committed to professional and people-oriented policing.
He reiterated that respect for human rights, civility, accountability, and ethical conduct are essential components of modern policing and critical to sustaining public confidence in the police.
The facilitator subsequently engaged community leaders, PCRC members, and other stakeholders in a separate interactive session centered on community policing, citizens’ rights and responsibilities, police-community relations, and the collective role of society in crime prevention and public safety.
Stakeholders actively participated in the discussions, expressing their concerns on issues affecting policing and security within their communities.
Some of these concerns were addressed through practical explanations aimed at improving public understanding of policing processes and strengthening cooperation between the police and the communities they serve.
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