Stemming the tide of police brutality
The criticism of the Nigerian Police Force due to the increasing tide of Police brutality seems to have reached crescendo. I wish to posit that the recruitment channel into an institution charged with the responsibility of protecting lives and property should be jealously guided. Whoever desires to be enlisted into the Nigerian Police Force should […]
The criticism of the Nigerian Police Force due to the increasing tide of Police brutality seems to have reached crescendo.
I wish to posit that the recruitment channel into an institution charged with the responsibility of protecting lives and property should be jealously guided.
Whoever desires to be enlisted into the Nigerian Police Force should be requested to present attestation letter from Headmaster, Principal of secondary schools or Director of students Affairs in the university as the case maybe attesting to his conduct and suitability as good enough to protect lives and properties.
Also the community leader of the area he/she must have resided for a minimums of 5 years must attest to his conduct as good enough to be entrusted with the responsibility of protecting lives and property. This is because rogues, scallywags and hoodlums seem to have been inadvertently recruited into our police force.
Aside good remuneration, it is preposterous to toy with the general welfare of an individual charged with the responsibility of protecting gives and properties. Why are we not toying with the welfare of the Military men, the consequence is better imagined? Officers and men of the Nigerian police force are transferred to distant areas without adequate provision for the allowance due to them. Frustration brings aggression. A police man that is not well catered for is not only dangerous specie; he is an accident waiting to happen and could be brutal. .
Nigeria police should be exposed to adequate training both locally and internationally to attune them with the emerging realities and sophistication of their duties. Regular and Short period refresher course to remind them of their duties to protect law abiding Nigerians and not to hurt or brutalize. Weapons in their possessions are to be used to protect Nigerians not hurt. Police men do not have the right to hurt or brutalize anybody, suspect or accused except when such suspect or accuse poses a threat to their safety or life. That is the only time minimal pain could be inflicted on such suspect to destabilize him/her.
The consequences of not paying enough attention to the above highlighted issues are what is manifesting in the increasing police brutality today in Nigeria. If Federal Government pay enough attention to these issues, Nigerian Policemen would become more efficient and be our good friend.
Remi Adeleke is a public affairs analyst, resident of Suleja