Newly recruited 1,056 police constables have commenced training on community policing in Kwara State at the weekend.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for the key to the concept, which he said would strengthen the internal security structure.
AbdulRazaq said the kickoff of the initiative was long due and encouraged citizens to always volunteer timely info and encourage the police to burst criminal networks before they execute their actions.
The Governor, however, said the success of community policing is based on the society fully financing it, claiming that police is often a manifestation of the society it serves and commending the safety agencies, including the police, for their hard work which has been keeping Kwara largely safe.
“The people are integral to the achievement of the police. The folks will give the information which the police will act on. These constables are products of this society and they will operate within the society that they know.
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AbdulRazaq said the recent US travel advisory exempting Kwara from countries believed to have high safety threat testifies to the outstanding efforts of the police and other safety agencies in the state to protect lives and possessions, urging them to continue to associate with the state government in that respect.
He tasked the new constables with discipline and dedication to duties, which he explained as the bedrock of policing job.
“Those of you stepping into the neighbourhood police now have your job cut out for you. You require a lot of discipline to excel. As soon as you are disciplined, other items will fall in place for you,” AbdulRazaq added.
Police Commissioner Mohammed Bagega said the initiative was meant to enhance success in the struggle against crime.
In addition, he emphasised the substantial role intelligence collecting plays in assessing offences.
“The IGP, through the Police Service Commission, wants to enhance the fight against crimes through intelligence-led policing. Therefore we need advice and also these people after graduation will be posted back to their individual communities,” he explained.
The CP added that the constables will, after undergoing one month
Training on safety jobs, be deployed to their respective communities in the nation.
