The Nigeria Police Force and the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) have renewed their commitment to citizens-friendly policing in Nigeria.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Mr Anietie Iniedu and PCRC’s National Consultant on Community Policing, Mr Chima Chukwunyere, said this while fielding questions from the public during an interactive radio show in Owerri, on Monday.
Iniedu, a Chief Superintendent of Police, hailed the role of the PCRC led by its President … in maintaining a peaceful relationship between the police and the Nigerian people.
He said that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Olatunji Disu, remained committed to a people-oriented police force with zero tolerance for impunity.
He also said that the IGP was actively driving the fight against impunity and strengthening oversight functions at the divisional level.
He urged Nigerians to conduct monthly town hall meetings at the divisional levels and establish a working relationship with their Divisional Police Officers (DPOs).
He added that the IGP was assiduously working to ensure that activities of the police are made more accessible to all Nigerians through the police radio and television.
He further urged citizens to avail the police of useful information that could aid their work adding that the identities of information sources would always be protected.
“ We want to assure citizens that their identities will always be protected and there will be no backlash.
“ If you see something, say something.
“ The police, with the collaboration of the PCRC, remain committed to a force that puts Nigerians first and ensures that we sustain peace so that citizens can go about their legitimate businesses without fear “, he said.
Speaking, Chukwunyere urged the PCRC in all states of the federation to build and maintain a strong relationship with the media to enhance coverage of the police and PCRC’s good works.
Chukwunyere, a former Chairman of the PCRC in Imo, decried mob action against suspected law breakers, adding that the police remained available to arrest and interrogate suspects.
He thanked the IGP for seeing Iniedu fit for appointment as force PRO and promised to work cooperatively with him to ensure proper public education and enhancement of police-citizens relationship.