:::COMMUNITY POLICING IN NIGERIA:::

Plumhoff v. Rickard: The Use of Deadly Force in High-Speed Pursuits and Qualified Immunity

2014-09-02T04:28:00.001-07:00

IACP Legal Officers Section

s many officers and police executives know from experience, high-speed pursuits all too often end with tragic consequences. Police officers must balance the goals of law enforcement with the public’s safety (and their own) in such situations, which requires officers to make split-second decisions affecting the safety of citizens in harm’s way, the safety and well-being of the pursuing officers, and the safety of the fleeing suspect who is risking many more lives than his or her own.The case of Plumhoff v. Rickard, decided unanimously by the U.S. Supreme Court on May 27, 2014, involves the use of deadly force against a suspect who led police officers on a dangerous chase reaching speeds of over 100 miles per hour and who continued to try to escape even after the police had him cornered.¹The court was asked to decide whether police officers, in order to stop a fleeing driver from putting further individuals at risk, were entitled to qualified immunity for their actions in applying deadly force. In determining whether qualified immunity was appropriate, the court looked at whether the officers infringed upon the Fourth Amendment rights of the fleeing driver, and, if they had, whether those rights were clearly established either constitutionally or statutorily.
On July 18, 2004, a patrol officer with the West Memphis, Arkansas, Police Department pulled over a vehicle for having only one operational headlight. As the officer approached the vehicle, he noticed an indentation in the windshield, “roughly the size of a head or a basketball,” and glass shavings on the dashboard, indicating that the windshield had been broken recently; he also observed beer in the car.² The officer approached and asked the driver, Donald Rickard, if he had been drinking. After denying that he had been drinking, Rickard then was asked to produce his license. Because Rickard became nervous and failed to provide his identification, the officer asked the driver to step out of the vehicle.³ Rather than comply with the request, Rickard sped away, leading the officer and others who had been called for backup, on a high-speed pursuit.
The officer was joined by five other police cruisers, which pursued Rickard east on I-40. At one point, the officers attempted to stop Rickard using a “rolling roadblock,” but they were unsuccessful. After passing more than two dozen vehicles and weaving through traffic at a high rate of speed (exceeding 100 miles per hour), Rickard exited the highway and, after making contact with an officer’s vehicle, spun out into a parking lot where his vehicle collided with another officer’s vehicle. Officers quickly reacted in an effort to corner the driver, who was attempting to escape. Two officers exited their vehicles, and one, with his gun in his hand, pounded on Rickard’s passenger-side window. Rickard made contact with yet another police vehicle, and he rocked his car back and forth, with tires spinning, indicating that he was hitting the accelerator while his bumper was flush against a police cruiser. One officer fired three shots into Rickard’s vehicle, after which, Rickard reversed in a 180-degree arc and fled onto a different street, narrowly missing another officer. Officers then fired 12 additional rounds into Rickard’s vehicle, after which the driver swerved off the road and crashed into a nearby building. Rickard and his passenger both died from a combination of gunshot wounds and injuries sustained in the crash that ended the chase.⁴
Rickard’s daughter filed the underlying action under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, alleging that the officers used excessive force in violation of the Fourth Amendment.⁵ The officers moved for summary judgment, asserting “qualified immunity” from suit. Generally, qualified immunity protects government officials from civil suits filed against them in execution of their duties. Individual lawsuits are permitted to proceed, however, if the official is deemed to have violated the rights of a plaintiff and if those rights were clearly established at the time the official’s conduct occurred.⁶ Qualified immunity is not a defense to liability; rather, it prevents an official from being subject to any lawsuit at all.⁷
The district court rejected the qualified immunity defense and denied the officers’ motion for summary judgment, holding that “the facts here do not support a finding that a reasonable officer would have considered the fleeing suspects a clear risk to others.”⁸ The officers appealed, but the Sixth Circuit affirmed the lower court’s decision. An appeal was taken to the U.S. Supreme Court, which agreed to hear the case. The officers argued that they did not violate Rickard’s Fourth Amendment rights and that their conduct did not violate any Fourth Amendment rule that was clearly established at the time of the events in question.
Excessive force, which is used to effectuate a seizure, if deemed unreasonable, is considered to be a violation of the Fourth Amendment. In determining whether the use of force is appropriate, courts look to balance the particular intrusion of rights against the governmental interest being advanced.⁹ If the intrusion upon a person’s rights is deemed greater than the governmental interest, the use of force will be considered unreasonable. Likewise, if the governmental interest is so substantial that it compels such an intrusion of rights, it will be deemed reasonable. In such use-of-force cases, the standard for reasonableness is based upon what a reasonable officer on the scene would do under the same circumstances.¹⁰ This reasonableness standard acknowledges that an officer often must act on limited knowledge in emergencies or urgent situations that do not permit lengthy deliberation.
In this case, the court utilized this analysis in assessing the specific facts at hand to determine whether Rickard’s Fourth Amendment rights were violated as a result of the use of excessive force. Having concluded that the use of deadly force was severely intrusive, the court then examined the governmental interest involved. In particular, the governmental interest here was deemed to encompass more than simply a law enforcement purpose, as it directly pertained to the safety of the officers involved in the high-speed pursuit, as well as pedestrians and drivers who were within harm’s way. In determining the strength of the governmental interest, the court looked to the facts of the case—the excessively high speed of the fleeing vehicle, the number of vehicles that were passed, the likelihood that the driver would continue to engage in speeding (if not stopped)—in addition to the fact that the driver was attempting to escape when the first shots were fired by police.
After review of all the facts, the court concluded that when officers attempt to terminate a high-speed chase that threatens the lives of those involved in the pursuit, as well as innocent bystanders, police officers do not violate the fleeing individual’s Fourth Amendment rights, even if their use of force puts the fleeing suspect at risk of significant injury or death.¹¹ In doing so, the court reinforced its holding in Scott v. Harris, which addressed a similar set of facts involving the use of deadly force in a high-speed pursuit endangering innocent lives.¹²
Regarding the number of rounds fired at Rickard’s vehicle, the court recognized that when authorized to use lethal force, officers are instructed to keep shooting until the threat is neutralized.¹³ As such, the court determined that the number of shots fired in this situation was reasonable. Moreover, it also noted that even after all the shots had been fired, Rickard still managed to drive away and continued driving until he crashed.¹⁴ The respondent argued that the presence of a passenger in the front seat of the car should factor into the analysis as to whether the number of shots fired was reasonable. However, the court determined that the Fourth Amendment rights of the passenger cannot be “vicariously asserted,” and the passenger’s presence in the vehicle cannot enhance Rickard’s Fourth Amendment rights.¹⁵ In so ruling, the court noted that it was Rickard who placed his passenger’s life in danger, and he could not benefit from his disregard for her safety.
The court next addressed the question: Even if the officers did violate the fleeing driver’s rights, were those rights clearly established? As mentioned above, officers can be sued in their individual capacities only if they violate a person’s rights and those rights were clearly established at that time.¹⁶ This standard suggests that the nature of a right must be sufficiently definite that any reasonable officer, taken from the viewpoint of the defendant, would have understood that he or she was violating it. Generally, this requires either a controlling precedent or a series of cases persuasive enough to suggest that a right had been infringed.¹⁷ This goes to the idea that an officer infringing upon a right should know that he or she is doing so, and that prior cases or statute have put him or her on sufficient notice. The court in this case, however, found no controlling authority issued prior to this incidence that would suggest lethal force was a violation of rights in this particular situation. As such, the court held that even if the officers had violated Rickard’s rights, it was not clearly established, and, thus, did not prevent qualified immunity.¹⁸
This holding corrected the Sixth Circuit’s conclusions in balancing the factors used in determining whether the Fourth Amendment is violated when police officers utilize deadly force in ending a dangerous high-speed chase in which innocent lives hang in the balance, and whether, even if a violation has occurred, the officers are immune from suit under qualified immunity. An officer must exercise his best, split-second judgment as to whether lethal force is necessary to prevent a suspect from engaging in a life-endangering chase. Provided those decisions are objectively reasonable, they are shielded from lawsuits under qualified immunity.
It is also important, however, to recognize that the facts of this case led to the ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court. In this instance, the court recognized not only the danger that Rickard posed, but also the potential for future danger if he were to continue fleeing. As such, the ruling in this case is fact specific, and the facts involved in other pursuits may not justify the use of lethal force to end the pursuit.

Officer Safety Corner: Prevention, Compassion, and Survival: Managing the Health of First Responders

2014-09-02T04:26:00.005-07:00

Rob Hilvers, MD, Emergency Responders Health Center, Boise, Idaho

A seemingly healthy 45-year-old police officer on a routine patrol shift receives an emergency 3 a.m. dispatch call. Almost immediately, the physiologic “fight or flight” response ensues; the officer experiences escalated blood pressure and heart rate, which is further compounded as he engages in intense exertion at the scene. Will this officer return to his family at the end of his shift, or will he be among a number of first responders who suffer a fatal heart attack before underlying cardiac disease is ever detected?
hat if the police officer in the above scenario, upon being hired into the force, had access to a comprehensive annual wellness program focused on prevention and early detection strategies? Would specialized care have mitigated occupational stressors, lowering the risk of cardiac episodes and increasing the likelihood of a safe return home?
In 2007, Stefanos Kales published his landmark study in The New England Journal of Medicine, which demonstrates a significantly higher risk of on-duty cardiac death among police officers and firefighters—22 percent and 44 percent, respectively—compared to the general population (15 percent).¹ While Kales’ findings raised awareness of the increased health risks experienced by first responders, they also raised additional questions. For instance, are higher cardiac death rates due to an increased predisposition for coronary disease among police officers and firefighters, or are they the result of the unique stressors experienced by first responders during their shifts in the line of duty? While the prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) and the risk of cardiac death among active-duty firefighters has been well documented, less attention has been given to the corresponding risk among police officers.²
The Emergency Responders Health Center (ERHC) in Boise, Idaho, was established in 2004 (three years before the publication of Kales’ study) to manage the specific medical needs of police, fire, and emergency medical services (EMS) responders with the simple mission of “Prevention, Compassion and Survival.” Founded in response to specific needs cited by the Boise Fire Department dive team, ERHC has evolved to offer highly specialized, proactive care designed to address the elevated health and injury risks experienced by all first responders. The center’s primary areas of focus include cardiovascular disease, sports medicine, cancer screening, and behavioral health. ERHC offers comprehensive annual exams, preventative guidance, continuity care, and worker’s compensation care for approximately 15 Idaho police, fire, and EMS agencies. Services are not only adapted to each respective profession and its unique associated risks, but also are customized further to each individual patient.
In response to heightened concerns surrounding heart attacks in the line of duty, one of the pillars of ERHC outreach is cardiovascular screening, awareness, and education. Based on their elevated risk to experience a cardiac arrest, police officers undergo advanced heart screenings designed exclusively for first responders and not yet available to the general population. During an annual exam, mainstream patients are likely to undergo minimal screening to include a blood pressure check, blood lipid panel analysis, fasting glucose, and family history assessment. At most, patients identified with elevated risk will undergo a resting EKG test. Conversely, emergency responders seen at ERHC undergo aggressive cardiac surveillance to include standard assessments paired with cardiac stress testing (age-stratified), abdominal circumference measurements, and comprehensive baseline questionnaires.³ Health screenings are further adapted to the unique occupational exposures of different first responder professions.
The ERHC’s specialized annual exams are used to generate individual cardio-risk assessments, which are graphed into “heart scores” using a proprietary Fire and Police Metabolic Syndrome Score. Each officer’s score includes seven risk traits known to increase coronary heart disease: five metabolic syndrome traits (abdominal circumference, blood pressure, fasting glucose, triglycerides, and HDL cholesterol); aerobics capacity (VO₂ max); and tobacco use. Each of the seven health indicators is depicted in corresponding zones to provide a readily understandable, visual representation of the officer’s current health status: green (optimal), yellow (concerning), and red (high-risk). Patients’ health indicator scores from the prior two years are plotted for comparison to demonstrate whether or not they are making the necessary adjustments in their fitness, nutrition, and lifestyle choices. Additionally, comparing cores provides a base for personalized health education. Each officer’s composite score is also compared with the aggregate scores of his or her peers (with individual confidentiality strictly maintained). This trending and comparative data has often proven the greatest motivator for behavioral change among patients by providing both a visual reminder and a concrete target.
In addition to undergoing the thorough risk assessment described, a number of ERHC patients are also eligible to participate in cutting-edge arterial scans hosted by the Saint Alphonsus Research Institute in Boise. Because a heart attack can be the first—and final—signal of underlying heart disease in as many as one-third of cardiac arrest fatalities, cardiologists are seeking better tools to predict, detect, and reverse heart conditions at the earliest possible stage.⁴ The role of “traditional” risk factors (e.g., hypertension, cholesterol, family history, tobacco) as a primary cause of heart attacks is well understood; however, these indicators alone do not explain the increased propensity for CAD-related death among on-duty police officers. Non-traditional risk factors, including inflammation-boosting chronic stress; issues related to shift work (e.g., endocrine dysfunction, circadian rhythm sleep disorders); and the combination of extreme exertion, hyperthermia, and inhalational exposures of toxic fumes and particles must also be considered.
In 2013, the author was invited to collaborate with Steven Writer, MD; Pennie Seibert, PhD; and the Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center on an ongoing study to determine (a) if CT scans to detect arterial calcium plaque could serve as effective predictors of CAD and heart attack in first responders; (b) whether this plaque burden could be reversed through nutrition, fitness, and lifestyle changes; and (c) if first responders’ increased awareness of their personal risk would increase their adherence to healthy choices, leading to improved health status.⁵ Following eventual completion of the study, the team hopes to address all three primary study questions while measuring the prevalence and severity of CAD among police officers as an under-recognized, high-risk population.⁶
The ERHC has worked to continually refine its service delivery over the past 10 years and currently is working to further enhance the care of first responders by integrating a clinic dietitian, sports physical therapist, and health coach, as well as working to build a fitness testing and injury prevention program. The health center’s success can be replicated in other communities committed to giving back to their police officers and other first responders. With an emphasis on preventative medicine and advanced screenings based on specific occupational risk, the ERHC approach has not only served first responder patients well; it is highly consistent with the evolution of health care toward the specialized management of populations and the avoidance of hospitalizations and emergency room (ER) visits in the first place. In time, the methodology refined through the ERHC and similar clinics is likely to be highly applicable to the mainstream population. By taking bold steps to improve their own wellness, police officers and other first responders will be modeling healthy choices—protecting their citizens in yet another way. ♦

Policing in Local Law Enforcement: A Commitment to Getting Out-of-the-Car

2014-09-02T04:24:00.001-07:00

By Steve Dye, Assistant Chief of Police, Garland, Texas, Police Department

olice technology must serve the community and advance the mission of community policing, not merely make internal processes more efficient. Community policing is most effective and most sustainable when meaningful partnerships develop between police departments and the community. The development of partnerships and collaborative efforts are largely dependent on officers and administrators who connect with residents through personal interaction. By stopping the car and getting out and speaking with people, officers can connect with the public, identify problems more quickly, and forge stronger partnerships. In spite of the growing list of duties of patrol officers, the surge of technological advancements in law enforcement, and the arrival of a new generation of technologically proficient officers, it is imperative that personal connections between officers and the people they serve remain at the forefront of departmental expectations, training efforts, and policies.

Cars Reshape Patrols and Priorities

In the early 1800s, policing experienced a shift from the omnipresent centralized systems to the formation of London's Metropolitan Police Force, widely considered the first modern police department. The decentralized force delivered services by focusing on specific problems in specific geographical areas. Sir Robert Peel’s main principle—“The police are the public and the public are the police”—highlighted the importance of connecting with the people served. American policing followed this English model and the early foot patrols relied heavily on interaction with citizens and familiarity with the patrol area. But after the automobile was introduced into policing, departments enlarged geographical areas, turned their attention to reducing response times, and generally adopted a more reactive and enforcement-driven approach. The civil unrest of the 1960s and 1970s demonstrated that although policing efficiency may have increased, an important connection between many officers and the communities they served had been lost.

Emergence of Community Policing

By the 1980s, dissatisfaction with the effects of this diminishing interpersonal contact between the police and the public led to the birth of community policing and a renewed focus on community interaction and partnerships. The realization started to take hold that policing could not survive on mere efficiency of operations, and a return to connecting with the community, at all levels, was necessary for effective crime prevention, problem identification, and collaborative, innovative problem solving.
Initially, the moniker community policing was misconstrued as “soft policing” by some officers and agencies who believed that responsibly aggressive enforcement could not be a part of community policing. However, most departments now understand that the best practices in policing must be community based and that community policing is at its best when it is the philosophy of an agency and not merely a set of programs.
Furthermore, community policing is a comprehensive approach that incorporates problem identification and mutual problem solving with the use of real-time crime data and appropriate proactive enforcement strategies. The commitment to community policing must start with the head of the agency and be engrained in the mind-set of officers throughout the department. By creating community partnerships that result in collaboration, departments have been able to construct effective preventive measures and comprehensive tactics to lower crime rates and make neighborhoods safer.
One of the primary components of both community policing and crime reduction is the personal connection between officers and residents, business owners, civic groups, and community visitors, to name a few. These relationships are often initiated through officers’ observations, which is why it is so critical that officers are familiar with their beats and constantly scan their work environments for anomalies or variances. Ongoing interaction then becomes crucial in strengthening these ties with the citizenry.

Community Policing Challenges
The patrol officer’s job is much more complex and challenging than ever before. Society is demanding, more than ever, that police officers be immediate problem solvers. Public expectations have continued to push police officers’ roles beyond crime prevention, response, enforcement, and problem solving and into such areas as mental health care, assumption of parental duties, and monitoring adjudicated offenders. Local law enforcement has been intricately involved in homeland security issues, which has resulted in an increased emphasis on critical infrastructure security. Finally, local law enforcement agencies have recently taken on additional responsibilities regarding immigration management and enforcement.
These supplemental duties often fall to local agencies when no one else is available or able to accomplish the mission. It is imperative that department leaders address these current challenges while implementing, developing, and reinforcing clear departmental expectations and policies committed to a community policing philosophy through partnerships and collaboration with the public.
Historically, one of the major obstacles in establishing lasting community partnerships has been overcoming the perception that the police alone are responsible for the implementation of community programs and entirely accountable for the results. Department administrators must continually work to instill the mind-set among their officers that police forces cannot achieve success without encouraging the community to be an active participant in prevention, problem identification, problem solving, and evaluations of effectiveness.

What Can Police Do to Foster Connection and Collaboration?
At times, reaching the departmental goal of full acceptance of a community policing approach involves changing a police culture based on traditional enforcement methods. But what does that require?
For starters, chiefs must encourage external involvement and the creation of active and meaningful partnerships that allow for substantive community engagement. These joint efforts should be educational in the sense that both the police and the public understand that each group has certain roles and responsibilities and that safe neighborhoods cannot thrive without active participation from both community stakeholders and police employees.
The community and the police agencies must share accountability for results, and the community must contribute to innovative community policing tactics. Police departments and community members must jointly evaluate the effectiveness of community policing efforts, reexamine approaches when necessary, and share in successes when positive results are achieved.
Traditional organizational structures need to be reviewed and changed as necessary so that departmental processes improve communication between the public and the department. Performance evaluations must be tailored toward community policing practices and involve the measurement of outcomes as opposed to outputs, including some form of community input to fully gauge officer-community involvement.
A failure to fully commit to collaboration and partnerships can result in ineffective problem solving, a lack of community support, and minimal involvement with the community. Conversely, proactively managing and addressing community policing challenges by allowing and encouraging officers to get out into the neighborhoods will culminate in an increased level of trust and a more focused philosophy that retains relevancy to current community issues.

Over Reliance on Technology Can Keep Officers in Their Cars

New police technology, much of it installed in patrol cars and much of it useful, has added to the complexity of a patrol officer’s job and created a new challenge for administrators who embrace the community policing mission.
Whereas the inside of a police car previously contained a radio and maybe a high-tech office. Many patrol officers receive their calls through in-car computers and enter their reports electronically while monitoring cell phones, speed enforcement technology, and automated license plate readers. No longer is the task of a patrol officer as simple as responding to calls over the radio, completing simple handwritten reports, and looking out the window for suspicious activity or circumstances. Technological proficiency is now an expectation in law enforcement just as much as physical fitness and sound decision-making skills.
Technology overall has given officers new tools for accomplishing community policing objectives, but it has not come without a certain degree of consternation for some veteran officers. Many of these officers did not grow up around an immense amount of technology and worked in law enforcement before law enforcement embraced computers. This lack of familiarity means that they sometime spend too much time focused on the technology while performing police operations. Many officers still working the streets today were trained at a time when most of their daily activity was generated through personal observations and contacts and knowing every detail of their assigned areas of the community.
By contrast, many younger officers grew up making technology a part of their education and their hobbies. They are proficient computer users, but they are vulnerable to becoming driven by the receipt of electronic information instead of generating activity through observations and community interaction. And a reliance on technology has, at times, lessened the development of people skills for some younger officers.
Regardless of an officer’s familiarity with technology or his or her level of expertise, it is clear that technology consumes a great deal of officers’ attention as they work the streets each day. This technological time consumption is important to monitor as it may have a tendency to take away from proactive community policing activities in the form of personal contacts and observations.

Administrators Must Watch Out for Technology That Isolates Officers
There is no doubt that technological advancements have aided responsiveness in policing and allowed personnel to address problems and trends more quickly and efficiently. At the same time, police administrators must carefully scrutinize each new technology to ensure that it increases efficiency in terms of serving the community, creating a safer environment, and accomplishing community policing goals.
Upon reviewing any new technology, police leaders should ask themselves whether it will actually help officers do their job or only expedite the administrative processes. While making the internal processes more efficient, it must also enable the officers to use their time effectively contacting the public.
Technology should not move officers away from the interpersonal contact with the community that is vital to developing collaborative partnerships and solving neighborhood problems. Departments need to train officers to use technology as a tool and not to rely on it to the point that they lose focus on getting out of their patrol cars and interacting with the community.
Technology has demonstrated that it can enhance community policing efforts through timely electronic notifications regarding crime trends, alerts, and police-community meetings and events. Online offense reporting can free up more discretionary time that can be used for face-to-face community interaction and attacking the root causes of crime and disorder, while electronic interaction with the public can expedite measures to prevent offenses from occurring.
But departmental leaders must be mindful not to allow technology and technology-savvy young officers to remove the interpersonal communication aspect from police work that is so vital to community policing. Departmental expectations, policies, and training programs must be designed and monitored to ensure that technology does not lead to any of the same isolation problems with the public that were experienced with the introduction of the automobile into policing. Departmental missions and the training of officers must continue to focus on partnerships and the use of technology to supplement these human interfaces and not become a substitute for getting out of the car. A reliance on technology can perhaps lead to complacency, reduce familiarity with surroundings, and limit opportunities to talk with residents.
The input of useful information starts with human interactions, and a balance must exist between the use of technology and the retention of people skills. Training programs must continue to emphasize the importance of proactive field work and the delivery of effective community policing. An emphasis must be placed on preventing officers from becoming accustomed to “watching the box” and being driven primarily by information received on their mobile data computers.

Retaining Community Focus
The culmination of additional responsibilities for police officers, misconceptions of community policing, a newer generation of officer that is more technology based, and an increased emphasis on in-car technology in policing can easily contribute to a decrease in time spent outside the patrol car and interacting with the community. As a result, police administrators must remain attentive to any factor that is keeping officers from getting out of the patrol car and speaking with people.
A continuous review of departmental practices and priorities must occur in order to keep everyone focused on community interaction. Although community partnerships and collaborations are alive and well in many police departments and law enforcement initiatives, a continued emphasis must be placed on constant community contact at the street level. If a police culture of minimized citizen interaction is developing, then departments must reiterate the importance of continuing to train officers, in both the academy and the field, to engage in effective community policing through personal observations and contacts while employing technology to supplement these endeavors.
Police administrators should take note as they pass a squad car on the street and see how often an officer is able to make eye contact with them as opposed to being focused on some piece of technology or talking on the cell phone. Police leaders should carefully review technology to ensure that only the technology that facilitates a patrol officer’s core tasks of community policing are installed in squad cars—as opposed to technology that results only in benefiting administrative processes. Officers must be continually encouraged to interact with the community, and their tasks and processes must be structured to achieve this objective. Performance evaluations and departmental expectations must align with the principles of community policing and effectiveness measured through outcomes of innovative problem solving and collaboration rather than quantitative outputs. As Sir Robert said years ago, “The police are the public and the public are the police,” and it will always be so.

2013-09-08T12:57:00.001-07:00

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NIGERIA POLICE FORCE INTENSIFIES EFFORTS AT COMBATING TERRORISM.

2013-06-07T08:39:00.001-07:00

***Deploys Peace Keepers to Mali
***IGP urges contingent to be worthy Ambassadors.

As part of efforts by the Nigerian Government to strengthen its on-slaught against domestic and global terrorism and help in restoring peace in troubled parts of Africa, the Nigeria Police Force has concluded plans to deploy a Formed Police Unit of One Hundred and Forty (140) Officers and men to Mali, in support of the ECOWAS and the African Union-led Peace Initiatives in Mali. The Unit, comprised of specialized sections trained in riot control and counter-terrorism; and equipped with modern crime fighting and peacekeeping equipment, will depart Nigeria on 10th June, 2013. The Nigeria Police currently has seven (7) Staff Officers already deployed to Mali, led by DCP Subair O. Kamar who is the Deputy Police Commissioner in-charge of the African Mission in Mali.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP MD Abubakar, CFR, NPM, mni, performed the official Flag Presentation Ceremony today, 7th June, 2013, at the Force Headquarters Parade ground, Louis Edet House, Abuja. The ceremony witnessed the symbolic handing over to the Commander of the Unit, the Nigerian national flag and the Nigeria Police flag, as symbols of authority to empower members of the Unit to represent the Nation and the Nigeria Police Force in the Mission in Mali.

The Nigeria Police contingent, designed to be self sustaining, is deployed with full complement of Contingent Owned Equipment (COE) including Patrol Vehicles, Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), arms and ammunitions. The contingent is also travelling with a team of Medical Doctors and Nurses, Ambulances, drugs, first aid kits and other medical equipment. To further boost the morale of the Contingent and enable its members ensure the welfare of their dependants before departure, the IGP has approved and directed the advance payment of one month allowance to every member of the Formed Police Unit to Mali.

Addressing the contingent members, the IGP charged them to display at all times, dedication and true commitment in the discharge of assigned roles. He urged them to be good ambassadors, not just of the Nigeria Police Force, but also of the Nigerian nation and must therefore, fly the country’s flag with pride. He advised members of the contingent to conduct themselves with the highest degree of discipline and professionalism; and shun all forms of vices. The IGP enjoined them to respect the laws and customs of their host country and endeavour to bring honours through exemplary service to humanity, to their fatherland and to themselves.

The IGP further reminded the Officers that the Nigeria Police has created and maintained an outstanding record of good performance in the Mission fields, including a recent commendation given to Nigeria Police peace keepers in Somalia by the African Union Commission, for its level of professionalism and operational efficiency. He recalled that the Nigeria Formed Police Unit was the first to be deployed to Guinea Bissau where it ensured security and helped in restoring law and order in that country.

The present deployment to Mali brings to Ten (10) the number of countries Nigeria Police officers are currently serving on international peace keeping assignment. The other nine (9) countries are Cote D’voire, Democratic Republic of Congo, East Timor, Guinea Bissau, Haiti, Liberia, Somalia, South Sudan and Sudan.

Dignitaries who witnessed the Flag Presentation ceremony included the Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the African Union and Ambassador to Ethiopia, Ambassador Bulus Lolo, who was the Special guest of Honour, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) represented by Major General HA Saliu, members of the diplomatic community and members of the Police Management Team and other invited guests.

IGP Salutes Nigerians on Democracy Day

2013-05-30T01:43:00.001-07:00

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP MD Abubakar, CFR, NPM, mni, on behalf of the entire officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force, heartily felicitates with the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan,GCFR, the Government and people of Nigeria, as the nation marks its 14thYear of unbroken democracy on 29th May, 2013.

Meanwhile, to ensure a secure, peaceful and hitch-free nation-wide anniversary celebration, the IGP has directed all Zonal AIGs and State Command Commissioners of Police to ensure an effective and efficient deployment of all operational manpower and tools at the disposal of their respective Commands. He has further directed the AIG Border Patrol to ensure that the nation’s borders are effectively manned to prevent any cross-border crime. The AIG Air-Wing has also been directed to provide aerial patrol for the FCT and other States.

While saluting the courage and gallantry of officers and men of the Force, in protecting the nation’s thriving democracy, the IGP charges Police personnel to continue to subordinate themselves to civil authority and give maximum respect to the fundamental rights of the citizenry. He advises officers to remain politically neutral and steer clear of partisan politics in line with the professional ethics of the Force. He warns that officers found meddling in local politics within or outside their areas of jurisdiction will be appropriately sanctioned.

The IGP equally pledges the unalloyed loyalty of the Nigeria Police Force to the Government and people of Nigeria. He promises that the Force will continue to do everything within its power and available resources, including partnering with relevant stakeholders, to effectively discharge its constitutional and statutory responsibilities of securing lives and property of Nigerians, even in the face of current security challenges and the huge price involved. He restates the commitment of the current Police Administration to reposition the Force for greater efficiency, and calls for the cooperation of all citizens in these regards.

Nigeria police Force Redeploys Eleven (11) Commissioners of Police

2013-05-22T09:42:00.001-07:00

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP MD Abubakar, CFR, NPM, mni, has ordered the redeployment of eleven (11) Commissioners of Police (CPs) to Commands and Formations. The IGP’s order followed the recent elevation of some senior officers to the rank of Commissioners of Police and the retirement of some Commissioners of Police in State Commands and Police Formations.

The newly redeployed CPs have been charged to show commitment in the fight against crime and criminality in the respective new beats. They are to ensure that they work cordially with the public and to serve as motivation to their subordinate officers in the discharge of their onerous responsibilities.

The IGP has also directed the CPs to be mindful of the fundamental rights of the citizenry and ensure that complaints are promptly attended to avoid the miscarriage of justice. He further directed all effected officers to ensure that handing and taking - over exercises are completed as when due.

The redeployment exercise is as contained in the table below:

S/No	NAME OF COMMISSIONERS OF POLICE	POSTING
1	CP AGBOOLA OSHODI-GLOVER	CP KWARA
2	CP ABUBAKAR ADAMU MOHAMMED	CP ENUGU
3	CP TONYE EBIYE EBITIBITUWA	CP BAYELSA
4	CP UMARU SHEHU	CP NASARAWA
5	Ag/CP HURDI D. MOHAMMED	CP KATSINA
6	CP SYLVESTER UMEH	CP PAP, Eastern Port
7	CP KUDU NMA	CP GOMBE
8	CP USMAN ISA BABA	CP COOPERATIVE
9	CP SAIDU MADAWAKI	CP BORDER PATROL
10	CP USMAN YAKABU	CP WELFARE,’A’ FHQ
11	CP ABDULMAJID ALI	CP EOD ‘B’ DEPT, FHQ.

Officers postings take immediate effect.

Update on Nasarawa Killings

2013-05-22T09:15:00.002-07:00

As part of efforts at encouraging a wider and communal participation in the investigation into the recent killing of Police men in Nasarawa State, the Police High Command has established a dedicated telephone line for members of the public who may wish to provide vital and useful information to the Police. To this effect, the IGP appeals to Nigerians who may be in possession of information that could aid on – going investigation not to hesitate in providing same to the Police, promising that all such information will be treated with utmost confidentiality. Such information can be provided via phone number 07066228200 (calls or SMS) or email: Policemonitor@Npf.Gov.Ng. The IGP reminded the public that an attack on the security Forces of any nation is an attack on the entire nation. He therefore appeals to Nigerians to support the Police as it strives to tackle this and other security challenges facing the nation.

Meanwhile, in a bid to ameliorate the plight of the dependants and family members of the fallen police officers, the IGP has ordered the immediate relocation of the Force Welfare Officer, DCP Abiodun Ige from Force Headquarters to Nasarawa State to enable her effectively and speedily coordinate all welfare related issues touching on the families of the late officers, including but not limited to the payment of all statutory and relevant compensations.

The IGP appeals for patience and understanding of family and friends of the slain officers, particularly as it relates to the issue of the release of the bodies of the officers, promising that all corpses will be released as soon as preliminary enquiries are concluded.

While restating the commitment of the Force to uncover and bring to book the perpetrators of this crime, the IGP reassures the family members and friends of the deceased that the Force is united with them in grief and will neither forsake nor abandon them at this trying moment.

Meanwhile, the AIG in charge of Zone 4 (covering Benue, Nasarawa and Plateau States) AIG Mike Zuokumor has on the orders of the IGP relocated to Nasarawa State. A highly experienced and an operationally-minded officer, he is currently coordinating all ongoing operations relating to the incident.

Nigeria Police Repel Hoodlums' Attack in Katsina

2013-05-22T09:13:00.001-07:00

The Katsina State Command of the Nigeria Police Force, in the early hours of today, 17th May, 2013, in Katsina State, successfully repelled attacks from a group of armed hoodlums who had besieged the ancient town of Daura, carrying out coordinated attacks on police facilities and banks.

After a long gun battle with the hoodlums, the criminals were over-powered by the Police. The exceptional display of courage and gallantry by the Policemen resulted in the death of five (5) of the heavily armed gang and the inflicting of severe injuries on dozens of others who managed to escape with bullet wounds, abandoning their weapons in the process.

Weapons and other items recovered by the Police from the gang included: twelve (12) AK-47 rifles, fifteen (15) AK 47 magazines, fifteen (15) Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), as well as two vehicles (a Golf and a Toyota saloon car) used by the hoodlums as operational vehicles.

Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP MD Abubakar, CFR, NPM, mni, has commended the efforts of the Katsina State Police Command for repelling and foiling the criminal attacks. He enjoined the Nigeria Police officers not to relent in their efforts at combating all forms of crime and criminality, until the battle against terrorism is won.

While assuring Nigerians of the readiness of the Force to live up to its constitutional responsibility of ensuring the safety of the citizenry, the IGP urged the public to promptly report any suspicious movement to the Police and other sister security agencies.

Investigation into the incident has since commenced.

4-Day Workshop on Capacity Building for Police PROs Kicks Off in Uyo

2013-04-23T08:43:00.003-07:00

A 4-day ‘’Workshop on Capacity Building for Police Public Relations Officers’’ organized by the Nigeria Police Force, in conjunction with the Government of Akwa-Ibom State, kicks-off today, 17th April, 2013, at Le’ Meridien Hotel, Uyo, the capital city of Akwa-Ibom State.

The Workshop is intended to equip Police Public Relations Officers with requisite professional skills and knowledge in effectively managing the corporate image of the Force in the face of rising extremism, criminality and terrorism in the country. It is expected to emphasize the need for synergy and collaborative efforts among security agencies in the country.

The curriculum of the Workshop is strategically designed to cover training in Media relations, Crisis Communications and Issues Management; Media and Police Public Relations; Perception, Image and Brand management in government agencies; and Terrorism in Democracy and Communication. Also featuring in the intensive training workshop are topics on Public Relations in Police and non-commercial organization, Social role of the Police in the post 9/11 era; and other relevant courses.

The training workshop which is being facilitated by PRM Africa, a foremost Public Relations and Brand Communications firm in Nigeria, with support from some good spirited private and public institutions, has in attendance, the Director, Defence Information, Brig.-General Chris Olukolade who is leading spokespersons of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force. Also participating in the Workshop are the spokes person of the Department of State Services, Mrs. Marylyn Ogar and other Public Relations managers from the Customs, Immigration, Federal Road Safety Corps, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps.

The participation of other security agencies is a manifestation of the resolve of the present Police Management to strengthen inter-agency collaboration in the fight against crime and criminality in the country.

The IGP, while addressing participants in his welcome address, commended His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong (Dr) Godswill Akpabio, for his magnanimity in making the Workshop a reality. He informed that the workshop is part of his reform agenda to strategically, reposition the Nigeria Police Force for effective performance in the face of growing security concern in the country. He added that the introduction of capacity building for the Public Relations Department of the Force is aimed at deepening confidence, strengthening relationship with the public and boosting the corporate image of the Nigeria Police; noting that the success of the Police and other security agencies in the fight against crime, depends largely, on the support, cooperation and partnership enjoyed from the public. The IGP advised participants to maximally exploit the advantage of the workshop for the benefit of their respective agencies and the nation at large.

On his part, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, who was represented by the Deputy Governor of the State, Her Honor NOBLE LADY VALERIE EBE, Deputy Governor of Akwa-Ibom State commended the Nigeria Police for their commitment to the security of the country and for organizing the Training Workshop which no doubt will have a positive impact on the efficiency of its services, that of other security agencies and the country at large.

The IGP used the forum to assure Nigerians of the determination of the Force to perform its constitutional and statutory responsibilities without fear or favor, reminding the public of their civic responsibility of providing useful information to the Police and other security agencies.

Official Unveiling of the 2013 Police Week Celebrations by The IGP

2013-04-23T08:02:00.000-07:00

1. It is with a sense of elation and deep professional fulfillment that I welcome you to this epoch-making Press Conference which is designed to herald the commencement of 2013 Police Week Celebrations. My sense of fulfillment stems from the fact that it is under my stewardship as Inspector-General of Police that the concept of Nigeria Police Week, which has remained uncelebrated since 1976, is being re-introduced.

2. The implication, ladies and gentlemen, is that policing is returning to the basics and the traditional values and practices of the Force are being restored. The good old days when the police stations were thrown open for members of the public to walk in and interact with their policemen and officers; when police commanders and smartly dressed police women would proudly interact with the youth community and security stakeholders in the society; and when the expertise of the Force would be showcased in form of demonstrations by versatile police motorcycle riders, proud and smartly turned out officers and men on ceremonial parade and breath-taking demonstrations by police dogs are here again. Today, the Force leadership is giving practical meaning to its firm determination to restore the lost glory of the Force and re-enact those practices which bind the citizens to their police and elicit fond memories of the Force.

3. Beyond the fun-fare, the 2013 Police Week Celebrations conveys a deeper message. It provides a veritable window for us to undertake institutional self-appraisal by celebrating our achievements in an increasingly complex security and crime environment, while also identifying our peculiar challenges in the fight against crime. On this occasion, we shall look at our past, appreciate our present and make projections for the future. Furthermore, ladies and gentlemen, the 2013 Police Week provides an opportunity for us to identify and reward deserving officers who have displayed exceptional gallantry and professional excellence in the line of duty and those that have paid the supreme sacrifice while discharging their constitutional mandate. Such officers will be duly recognized and given Awards by the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces in line with policing tradition and standards.

4. Above all, the long-term objective of the Police Week Celebrations is to bridge the increasingly widening gap between the public and the police and give positive connotation to the popular saying that ‘police is your friend’. We are determined to introduce projects that will correct all misconception and stereotypes attached to the police as an institution while re-assuring the public of our commitment to their security interests as well as our desire to remain accountable to them. In this regards, the 2013 Police Week Celebrations will engender improved consciousness on the part of the rank and file of the Force on their responsibility for enhancing mutual trust and confidence in their operations and interaction with the public. It is for this reason that we chose ‘Connecting with the People for a more Effective Policing’ as the theme for the Celebrations.

5. Ladies and gentlemen of the Press, the 2013 Police Week Celebrations, being a new beginning, will be low-keyed but symbolic. Accordingly, the following modest activities have been lined up:

DATE	TIME	EVENT	REMARKS	VENUE
MON. 22-4-13	1000HRS	PRE-EVENT PRESS BRIEFING	TO BE ADDRESSED BY THE IGP AT FHQs, ABUJA.	IGP CONFERENCE HALL, FHQ ABUJA
TUE. 23-4-13	1000HRS	MEDICAL COMMUNITY OUTREACH	1. THE FORCE MEDICAL TEAM WILL UNDERTAKE MEDICAL OUTREACH WHICH WILL BE FLAGGED OFF BY THE IGP. THIS WILL INCLUDE FREE DEWORMING EXERCISE, BP CHECKS, BLOOD SUGAR LEVEL CHECK, AND FREE MEDICAL ADVICE.	1. JABI POLICE BARRACKS 2. FORCE HEADQUARTERS 3. COMMAND CLINIC 4. GARKI BARRACKS
TUE. 23-4-13	1000HRS	POWA COMMUNITY OUTREACH	2. POWA PRESIDENT WILL VISIT SOS VILLAGES/CHILDREN HOSPITALS AND DONATE ITEMS	1. SELECTED MOTHERLESS BABIES’ HOMES 2. CHILDREN WARDS IN SELECTED HOSPITALS
WED. 24-4-13	1000HRS	SCHOOL COMMUNITY OUTREACH	VISITATION TO SELECTED SCHOOL/CAREER TALKS AND PRESENTATION OF SCHOOL GIFTS	1. ROYAL FAMILY ACADEMY, WUYE, ABUJA 2. DIVINE MERCY SEC. SCH. ASOKORO, ABUJA 3. NEW CAPITAL SCHOOL, ASOKORO, ABUJA 4. GOVT. SEC. SCH., TUDUN-WADA, ABUJA 5. EL-AMIN INTERNATIONAL SCH., ABUJA 6. AR-RAHMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, ABUJA.
THUR. 25-4-13	1000HRS	QUIZ COMPETITION (TO BE LIMITED TO SIX PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN ABUJA)	WILL INVOLVE: 1. FEDERAL GOVT. GIRLS COL. BWARI 2. FED. GOVT. BOYS COL. APO 3. POLICE SEC. SCH. MINNA 4. AR-RAHMAN INTERNATIONAL SCH. AREA 11, ABUJA 5. DIVINE MERCY SEC. SCH., ASOKORO 6. MODEL SEC. SCH., MAITAMA	NUC AUDITORIUM, ABUJA. IT WILL BE AIRED LIVE ON NTA
FRI. 26-4-13	1400HRS	JUMA’AT PRAYERS	-	NATIONAL MOSQUE, ABUJA
SAT. 27-4-13	1000HRS	SYMPOSIUM/LAUNCH OF ‘NIGERIA POLICE : THE JOURNEY SO FAR’		YAR’ADUA CENTRE, ABUJA
SUN. 28-4-13	1000HRS	THANKSGIVING SERVICE	(DRESS CODE - NO. 2 REVIEW ORDER DRESS)	NATIONAL ECUMENICAL CENTRE, ABUJA
MON. 29-4-13	0800HRS	CEREMONIAL PARADE AND AWARD	PRESIDENT COMMANDER –IN-CHIEF WILL REVIEW PARADE, GIVE AWARDS TO SELECTED OFFICERS, AND LAUNCH POLICE HELICOPTERS/PATROL VEHICLES ACQUIRED FOR NEW INTEGRATED AIR AND LAND ANTI-CRIME STRATEGY OF THE FORCE	EAGLE SQUARE ABUJA

6. The activities for the 2013 edition will be limited to Abuja. However, the next edition will be more elaborate and will cover all Police Commands in the Federation.

7. Permit me to use this medium, ladies and gentlemen, to thank the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR for supporting this Vision. I must also thank members of the 2013 Police Week Organising Committee who have since late last year been working assiduously towards making the Event a reality. To you the esteemed members of the fifth estate of the realm, I thank you most sincerely for your support as symbolized by your attendance, even at short notice. I, however, count on you to give the widest ever possible publicity to the events scheduled for these Celebrations. For it is only by so doing that you can aid the Force in transmitting the message of reconnecting to the Public to the widest audience.

8. I thank you for your attendance and look forward to interacting with you more as the celebrations progress.

Ban on Indiscriminate and Unlawful Use of Tinted Glasses Still in Force

2013-03-28T07:02:00.001-07:00

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP MD Abubakar, CFR, NPM, mni, has observed with grave concern, the alarming abuse and unlawful use of tinted glasses and the plying on our highways of unregistered/unlicensed vehicles by some vehicle owners across the country, despite repeated warnings by the Police authority. This unbecoming attitude has the capacity, not only to heighten criminal activities, but to place unnecessary pressure on security agencies and law abiding citizens.

In view of the potential danger posed by the indiscriminate use of tinted glasses and unregistered/unlicensed vehicles, corroborated by recent security reports that criminal elements, including suspected terrorists, now hide under the cover of the use of the aforementioned types of vehicles, tricycles and motorcycles to execute their nefarious trade, the IGP wishes to remind Nigerians from all walks of life, including politicians, military and security personnel, that the ban on unlawful and indiscriminate use of tinted glasses and legislations forbidding the plying of unregistered vehicles on our highways, are still very much in force.

The IGP, in the light of several negative security implications associated with this unrestrained infringement on relevant laws on the use of tinted glasses and unregistered/unlicensed vehicles, has directed all Zonal AIGs and State Command Commissioners of Police to arrest and bring to book, in line with extant laws, all defaulters. He wishes to clearly state that the Nigeria Police Force will no longer tolerate the habit of few misguided Nigerians who wantonly abuse the use of tinted glasses and unregistered/unlicensed vehicles, thereby complicating the challenge of effectively policing the country and equally endangering the lives and property of law abiding citizens.

It is the strong advice of the IGP that all persons having vehicles still unlawfully fitted with tinted glasses, to remove them immediately. Similarly, owners of unregistered/unlicensed vehicles are advised to immediately register them and obtain appropriate licenses or withdraw them forthwith from public roads; as police Officers nationwide have been directed to commence a massive operation aimed at enforcing all existing laws bordering on tinted glasses and the use of unregistered/unlicensed vehicles.

The IGP wishes to reassure the public that the Nigeria Police is committed to its constitutional and lawful responsibilities of providing security for the citizenry. Citizens are however, reminded of their civic obligation of obeying all laws of the State. They are further advised to act and conduct themselves within the ambit of the law and to continue to support and assist the Police and other security agencies in their efforts to safeguard the country.

Attack on Inspr Sunday Gabriel and Team on Anti Pipeline Duties by Men of the National Security and the Civil Defence Corp at Konu Lagos

2013-03-28T06:56:00.001-07:00

The Lagos State Command wishes to use this medium to put the record straight on what actually transpired at Isawo-Ikorodu at early hours of today 27/3/2013 between the NSCDC and the Police.

At about 0145hrs of date, there was a distress call from DM security PPMC, Mosimi that they were experiencing drop in pressure on the pipeline. The Unit Commander in charge of Konu immediately pulled out his men on Konu axis under Inspr Sunday Gabriel to proceed to the scene.

As they were approaching, they heard sound of serious gun firing in their area of pipeline coverage and the Inspr instructed his men to proceed to that direction as it could be the activities of vandals. Upon arrival, they saw a group of Civil Defence Corp Members coming out from the direction where the shooting was earlier heard. The NSCDC men challenged the Policemen who were about four in number on what their mission was in the area; “saying that it was their sole responsibility (Civil Defence) to guide and protect pipelines”.

At this juncture there was an argument between the NSCDC and the Police and the most senior NSCDC officer DSC Olufemi ordered his men who were about fourteen (14) in number to disarm, arrest and handcuff the Police team leader and three other members of his team. The NSCDC succeeded in disarming the Police team leader Inspr Sunday Gabriel, handcuffed him, collected his service pistol, walkie-talkie, and Police I.D card. As they were about dragging him into one of their standby hilux vehicles, a phone call was put to the Police Unit Commander reporting the situation. The 3 other officers resisted the arrest and this infuriated Civil Defence Officials who started shooting sporadically to intimidate and subdue the Police officers.

Before the Police Commander could arrive the scene, the NSCDC officials had taken to their heels abandoning the handcuffed and leg chained Police Inspector with one of NSCDC personnel.

Therefore, it was shocking that at about 0400hrs, the Civil Defence Corp Commander called the Police Commander Mosimi to say that he lost two of his men and their corpses have been deposited at the hospital. Uptil now, the pistol of Inspr Sunday Gabriel who was badly beaten and stabbed by the NSCDC officials including his other accoutrements are still with NSCDC.

Subsequently, far away in Alausa, Ikeja, at about 0800hrs today, the NSCDC officials abducted and assaulted three Policemen namely: Sgt Charles Igiebor, Cpl Ekun Julius and Cpl Okoro Charles who went for National I.D Card registration exercise. They also started attacking Policemen on sight in other parts of the State.

The Commissioner of Police Lagos State Command immediately went on air to warn Policemen not to engage in any form of confrontation with the NSCDC officials.

However investigation into the matter has commenced while Lagosians are advised to maintain peace and remain calm, please.

IGP Greets Christians at Easter

2013-03-28T06:52:00.003-07:00

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP MD Abubakar, CFR, NPM, mni, on behalf of Officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force, sends his hearty greetings to the entire Christian community in Nigeria, as they join their brethren across the globe, to mark the 2013 Easter season.

While reminding Christians that the victorious resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter morning was preceded by a painful crucifixion, as price to atone for the redemption of mankind, the IGP urged Nigerians to emulate and adopt the selfless lifestyle of Christ. He enjoined them to be open minded to issues of forgiveness, peace and harmonious co-existence, in consonance with the principles and teachings of Christ, especially, in this trying moment in the history of our dear country.

The IGP called on Nigerians to place value and respect on the nation’s persities, especially in the face of very high price being paid with the blood and lives of officers and men of the Force and those of other security agencies, who like Jesus Christ, are constantly subjected to all forms of dangers, risks and deprivations, including the hazards of death in the line of duty, as ultimate sacrifice for the peace, unity and progress of the country.

Meanwhile, to ensure a peaceful and incident-free Easter celebration, the IGP has directed all Zonal AIGs and Command Commissioners of Police, to take all necessary measures in ensuring the provision of adequate security for worshippers, travelers, picnickers and all citizens across the country before, during and after the festive season. Command Commissioners of Police are to personally ensure that all key and vulnerable points within their jurisdictions, including places of worship, recreation centres, motor parks, highways, financial institutions and all places of public resort are adequately and effectively protected.

The IGP wishes, in the spirit of the season, to salute Officers and men of the Force for their courage, dedication, tireless and selfless services to Nigerians and the country, especially, in the face of current challenges. He restated the resolve and commitment of the present Police Administration to reposition the Force for greater efficiency, including bargaining for better welfare package and more conducive working conditions.

While commending Nigerians for their patience, understanding and cooperation with the Police in the fight against crime and criminality, the IGP enjoined them to continue to support the Force with useful information that will effectively assist the Police in tracking down undesirable elements in the society. He sued for peace from all Nigerians, irrespective of their religious, political and socio-cultural leaning.

The IGP uses this medium to express the willingness, determination and commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to effectively discharge its onerous responsibility of securing the life and property of the citizenry, in line with the provisions of the country’s constitution and all extant statutes. He seeks the prayers and support of all Nigerians, assuring that with God on the side of the nation, Nigeria will surely rise above all its present challenges.

Ban on Indiscriminate and Unlawful Use of Tinted Glasses Still in Force

2013-03-22T10:58:00.001-07:00

POLICE ACADEMY SELECTION BOARD INTERVIEW OF CANDIDATES FOR ADMISSION INTOTHE FIRST INTAKE OF THE DEGREE PROGRAMME

2013-01-17T07:59:00.001-08:00

The candidates whose names appear in this publication were successful at

the Entrance Examination for the first intake of the Degree Programme of

the Nigeria Police Academy Wudil, Kano held on 15th September, 2012.

They are to appear for interview before the Selection Board from Sunday,

20th January, 2013 – Wednesday, 20th February, 2013 at the Nigeria Police

Academy Wudil, Kano. Candidates will appear before the Selection Board

in 4 batches for one week each as follows: Download Here

2013-01-11T08:41:00.001-08:00

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NIGERIA POLICE FORCE LAUNCHES A NEW “CODE OF CONDUCT AND PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS" FOR OFFICERS

2013-01-10T01:00:00.005-08:00

All is now set for the official launch, by the Nigeria Police High Command of the special ‘Code of Conduct and Professional Standards for officers of the Nigeria Police Force’, scheduled to take place on the 10th day of January, 2013 at International Conference Centre, Abuja. The launch which will be personally performed by Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan GCFR, President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, will commence at 10:00am prompt. The launch of the “Code of Conduct” comes a day after the National Summit on Security.

The new “Code of Conduct” is a set of rules collated and formulated under the leadership of the current Inspector-General of Police, IGP MD Abubakar,for guiding and regulating the behaviours of Police officers in Nigeria – both while on or off duty. The Code contains standard policing rules as well as contemporary international best practices in law enforcement as available in various United Nations Conventions, the Nigeria constitution, Police Act and Regulations and other domestic statutes. It is intended to be used by Police Officers in determining what is right and proper in all their actions.

The Code is designed to promote efficiency and effectiveness of Police services by promoting transparency, accountability and a deeper sense of civilian oversight on police activities. It is further intended to promote discipline, professionalism and strict adherence to due process in police activities and operations. Its institution within the Force is therefore part of measures by the IGP to promote the Federal Government transformational agenda, through deliberate and conscious efforts at encouraging positive attitudinal change amongst all cadres of officers within the Force

Thus, its launch is meant to generate the needed awareness among Government Officials, members of the Force and the general public; and to formally announce the enforcement of the “Code” both as a guide for all personnel of the Force, as well as an instrument for monitoring the conduct of inpidual Police officers in the daily performance of their duties, by the Police High Command and the public.

It is the earnest belief of the IGP that the “Code” will improve the standards and outputs of the Force and make it an enviable Law Enforcement Organization that will best serve the interest of Nigerians.

The IGP once again solicits the cooperation and understanding of the public at ensuring the successful implementation of the “Code” as it marks another mile stone in current efforts at repositioning the Force. He believes that getting it right with the Code, will no doubt, amount to getting it right with the Force; and this will in turn translate to getting it right with the overall security of Nigeria and her teeming citizens.

Dignitaries expected at the event include: the leadership of the National Assembly, Federal Ministers, Executive Governors from the 36 States of the Federation, Service Chiefs, Senior Government Officials, members of the Diplomatic Corps, Senior Police Officers, etc.

NIGERIA POLICE FORCE CONVENES NATIONAL SECURITY SUMMIT

2013-01-09T11:33:00.002-08:00

As part of efforts at encouraging a broad-based approach to tackling emerging contemporary security challenges in Nigeria, the Nigeria Police in conjunction with Vanguard Newspapers will be organizing a 2-day National Security Summit with the theme “Addressing Nigeria’s Security Challenges for Sustainable Peace and Development”. The event is billed to take place on 8thand 9th January, 2013 at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, commencing at 10am each day.

The summit which will be officially flagged off by the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, will be attended by Military and Police Chiefs, security experts/practitioners from within and outside the country as well as other critical stakeholders in the Nigeria Project. The summit which is a public – private partnership initiative is expected to provide an avenue for Nigerians from all walks of life to make informed input into concerted efforts by the Police and other security agencies at providing lasting solution to Nigeria’s myriad Security Challenges.

While emphasizing the importance of the summit to the transformation agenda of the Federal Government, particularly as it relates to issues of safety and security of the nation, the IGP urged participants to seize the opportunity provided by the summit to make sincere and informed input on matters bordering on the general security of Nigeria and Nigerians. He stated that the rationale for the summit is predicated upon the belief of the Force that the business of policing and securing Nigeria is the responsibility of all and that no single inpidual or organization has monopoly of security knowledge.

While assuring participants that inputs, suggestions, contributions and decisions reached at the summit will be given their pride of place in new security policies and strategic operational plans by the Government and the Police High Command, he equally promised that the Force will do everything humanly possible to guarantee a safe, conducive and democratic atmosphere at the summit to enable participants undertake a free, candid and unfettered intellectual discourse. He urged participants to see their participation in the summit as a call to national service and to do all within their powers to deliver on the targets and objectives of the summit.

Other participants expected at the summit include: representatives of State Governors, Special advisers on Security to State Governors, principal officers of National and State Assemblies, CEOs of registered and active private security agencies and representatives of ethnic forums and nationalities. Others are representatives of National Human Rights Commission, invited NGOs and Civil Society Groups, Labour groups such as NLC, PENGASSAN, TUC, and Professional groups such as NBA, NMA, Guild of Editors, NUJ, Representatives of PCRC at national and State levels and other invited participants.

NIGERIA POLICE FORCE PROMOTE 1,944 POLICEMEN

2013-01-09T11:27:00.002-08:00

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP MD Abubakar, CFR, NPM, mni, in the pursuit of his agenda for a better welfare regime for personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, graciously approved the promotion of One Thousand, Nine Hundred and Forty-four (1,944) junior Police Officers within the rank bracket of Constable and Sergeant, to their next ranks.

The promotion exercise dubbed “New Year Gift” for members of the Police rank and file, takes effect from 1st January, 2013. In line with on-going reforms of the Nigeria Police Force, all the beneficiaries of the promotion exercise had earlier attended and passed a special promotion course organized for them at the four premier Police Colleges located at Lagos, Orji-River, Kaduna and Maiduguri. The trainings were designed to prepare the personnel for the challenges and responsibilities of their new ranks.

While congratulating the newly promoted Inspectors, rank and file, the IGP charged them to see their elevation as a call to greater tasks and challenges, as they will be saddled with higher responsibilities. He reminded them of the need to be more dutiful, disciplined, courageous and patriotic in the discharge of the responsibilities of their new ranks.

The 1,944 beneficiaries of the new promotion are spread across all Police Commands and Formations within the country including Force Headquarters, Abuja. A breakdown of this figure is shown in the table below:

S/No	FROM (Previous Rank)	TO (New Rank)	No Promoted
1	Sergeant	Inspector	204
2	Corporal	Sergeant	303
3	Constable	Corporal	1,437
TOTAL			1,944

Meanwhile, the IGP has reiterated his commitment to the welfare and wellbeing of officers and men of the Force, particularly, those within the Inspectorate, rank and file cadre whom he described as the “foot soldiers” of the Force. He promised to continue to do his best in conjunction with other relevant organization of government to promote their overall working conditions, particularly, as we commence the sojourn into 2013.

IGP SALUTES NIGERIANS ON NEW YEAR

2013-01-09T11:24:00.001-08:00

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP MD Abubakar, CFR, NPM, mni, on behalf of the Police High Command, salutes Nigerians – both at home and in Diaspora – on the auspicious moment of the new year celebration.

While thanking God for his grace and mercies that saw the country and its millions of citizens through the immediate past year, the IGP equally commended Nigerians for their vigilance, partnership and support for the Police, without which the task of policing Nigeria in 2012 would have been a near-impossibility. He enjoined citizens not to relent in this regard, but rather continue to assist the Force even with greater vigour in the months ahead.

In a similar vein, the IGP expressed his immense gratitude to the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federation, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, for his passion for the security of the nation and his firm resolve to tackle the current security challenges. The IGP equally thanked the 36 State Governors, the FCT Minister and Local Government Chairmen across the Federation – particularly those that have supported the Police with logistics and other crime fighting tools in 2012.

The Police chief, while pledging the loyalty of the entire officers and men of the Force to the nation, promised that all hands will be on deck in the current year to ensure all forms of crime and criminality in the country – particularly the violent ones – are brought down to the barest minimum.

The IGP promised to re-dedicate himself and his Management Team to the vision of reforming and professionalizing the Nigeria Police Force and bequeathing to the nation a Police Force that will be truly people’s friendly, effective, efficient, intelligence driven, with greater respect for the fundamental rights of the citizens and adequately positioned to tackle the dynamic challenges of crime and social order now and beyond.

He equally charged officers and men of the Force to re-dedicate themselves to the service of their fatherland. He reminded them that their calling as peace officers demands of them the highest level of patriotism, selflessness and hard-work. He promised that he will continue to work with relevant Federal Government agencies to seek new ways of improving on their welfare and general working conditions.

While reiterating his earlier directives to Zonal AIGs and Command Commissioners of Police to ensure a crime and crisis-free New Year celebrations, he advised citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movement or persons to the Police or other security agencies.

IGP FELICITATES WITH CHRISTIANS IN NIGERIA OVER CHRISTMAS

2013-01-09T11:22:00.000-08:00

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP MD Abubakar, CFR, NPM, mni, on behalf of the Police High Command, officers and men of the Force, heartily felicitates with Christians in Nigeria as they join their counterparts across the globe to joyfully celebrate this year’s Christmas.

While reminding Christians of the very significance of Christmas – the holy birth of Jesus Christ; the IGP enjoins them to emulate and imbibe the worthy virtues, principles and teachings of Christ, by being open minded to issues of peace, forgiveness and harmonious co-existence, especially, at this auspicious moment in the history of our country. He calls on all Nigerians to appreciate and respect the persities of the nation, and leverage on same as a source of strength and medium for national development.

Meanwhile, to ensure a peaceful and incident-free Christmas celebration the IGP has directed all Zonal AIGs and State Command Commissioners of Police to take all necessary measures to ensure the provision of adequate security across the country before, during and after the celebration. CPs are to personally, ensure that key and vulnerable points including: shopping malls, motor parks, financial houses, places of worship, recreation centres and other public places are adequately and effectively protected, to enable holiday makers, worshippers and the general public enjoy maximum fulfillment. In a similar vein, Zonal AIGs and CPs have been directed to ensure the provision of 24hrs security around all government installations, strategic facilities and other key targets.

In addition, Commanders of Police Highway Patrol Teams have been directed to ensure that motorized patrols on our highways targeted at crime and accident prevention, are intensified to ensure a safe, secure and peaceful celebration. Police men deployed on our highways have also been directed to render necessary assistance to travelers and road users, especially accident victims and those who may suffer vehicular break down.

The IGP warns officers who will be deployed during the period, to ensure that they comport themselves and act within the confines of the law. They must be firm but polite, civil and professional in the discharge of their assigned roles, giving due regard and respect to the fundamental human rights of citizens at all times.

On the other hand, in the spirit of the season, the IGP expresses his gratitude to Nigerians for their cooperation, patience and understanding all through 2012, particularly in the face of daunting national security challenges. He sues for peace from all Nigerians, irrespective of religious, political and socio-cultural leaning, expressing the belief that the country’s multifarious challenges, including that of security, are surmountable with all hands on deck.

The Police Chief equally uses this medium to pay tribute to all Officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force, for their dedication, tireless courage and selfless service to father-land and humanity. He restates his resolve and commitment to reposition the Force, bargain for better welfare package and a more humane and conducive working condition for Police personnel. He commiserates with families of patriotic members of the Force who, like the heroes they truly are, paid the supreme price in the out-going year, to ensure that Nigerians enjoy peace and security.

Finally, the IGP seeks the prayers, support and understanding of Nigerians, assuring that by God’s grace, the battle against crime and criminality will eventually be won.

Third Class Degree, SSCE Holders Barred From Police Recruitment

2012-12-19T01:42:00.000-08:00

In a bid to sanitize the Nigeria Police as well as carry-out far reaching reforms in re-positioning the force to achieve its mandate of effectively securing lives and property, the Police Service Commission has said holders of Secondary School Certificate would no longer be accepted into the Nigeria Police Force as constables.
It said the minimum entry requirement now was Ordinary National Diploma.

In the same vein, Third Class degree holders would no longer be accepted as Cadet Inspectors, in line with the reform in the force.

PSC Commissioner and Chairman, Public Affairs Committee of the commission, Ms. Comfort Obi, who stated this at a news conference in Abuja on Monday, explained that the commission had reviewed the recruitment process into the police.

According to her, the PSC has over the years formulated policies aimed at the efficiency and discipline of the police force, adding that background checks are now carried out on applicants to separate bad eggs and discourage shady characters from joining the police.

To achieve some of this lofty objectives, Obi stated that polygraph tests were also carried out on applicants to determine drug users, alcoholics and liars that could tarnish the image of the force.

She said, “The mechanism put in place by the commission is in line with police regulations to ensure that bad eggs don’t find their way into the force. We are focusing on the recruitment process and have raised the minimum entry requirements.

“SSCE holders can no longer join the police as constables; even a third class degree holder cannot join the Cadet Inspector cadre. The minimum qualification for a constable is OND and it must include six credit passes in SSCE including Credit pass in English and Mathematics.”

The PSC Commissioner in charge of Strategy, Dr. Otive Igbuzor, explained that written examinations had been introduced for applicants, adding that promotions in the force were based on merit rather than Federal Character.

Police Matter

2012-12-17T10:29:00.001-08:00

If the first thing we learned was that tactics drove strategy, the second was that police matter in crime control. It is now pretty well understood—at least by police—that the ideas promulgated by President Johnson’s 1965 Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Criminal Justice (Commission) that so dominated criminal justice thinking were seriously flawed. For the Commission, poverty, the economy, demographics, racism, and social injustice caused crime—these structural features of society were crime’s “root causes.” Logically derived from this belief, is the idea that given these circumstances police can do little about crime except respond after it occurs. Crime can be prevented only when these root causes are rectified.

For the most part, police and local politicians succumbed to these ideas. And, if anything, the Commission’s beliefs were strengthened by 1970s research into policing’s law enforcement strategy. Nothing worked. Preventive patrol by automobile didn't prevent anything, and rapid response to calls for service made little difference. Ergo, the best police could do was respond and attempt to arrest offenders. Police officers could and did try to arrest their way out of the crime problem. Crime prevention in policing was most often relegated to a small special unit (often staffed by the “empty holster crowd”—officers deemed for one reason or another as being not real cops) who would lecture to community groups about locks, dogs, and other security measures individual households could implement. It is interesting to note that as the police moved away from prevention as a goal, the public and the private security sector increasingly embraced crime prevention strategies and tools (locks, alarms, guards, fences, cameras) to make up for the ineffectiveness of police strategies and tactics.

The Commission’s ideas and policing’s inability to stem the tide of crime that characterized this era, gave us “Community Policing I.” (Labeling the shift as “Community Policing I” is not meant in a pejorative sense; as is seen below, it was an important but limited development.) Initially, community policing grew out of the recognition that the relationship between police and communities, or neighborhoods was spotty at best. President Johnson’s Crime Commission properly alerted police to the reality and consequences of policing’s antagonistic relationship to African American communities and proposed the adoption of community relations programs. While the intent and content of such programs ranged from attempts to “sell” communities already failing and other unpopular tactics to genuine attempts to restructure the relationship between police and minorities, they had marginal impacts at best. They did, however, develop within police departments’ personnel and units skill in reaching out and working with minority groups—competence of which was to become a necessary skill in all police departments as policing was confronted by civil rights movements.

Moreover, by the 1980s a new generation of police, many educated under the Law Enforcement Education Program (LEEP), were moving into policing. This generation was both confronted by the inability of policing to control crime through the law enforcement strategy and was aware of policing’s uncomfortable and often hostile relationship with minorities. Their shifts—outreach to community, attempting to deal with community problems, and less reliance on law enforcement—were the first tentative moves to establish community policing, initially as a program, but increasingly as an alternative strategy to what has been referred to in the literature as the professional, reform, or law enforcement strategy. The inchoate community policing movement, referred to here as Community Policing I, enjoyed broad community and political support.

As positive as these movements were, they still largely put aside crime prevention. Most of the early community policing advocates strongly adhered to the “root causes” theory of crime and crime control: police could do little to prevent crime. Consequently Community Policing I, although strongly supported by community groups, some police leaders, and most politicians, was unacceptable to the majority of practicing rank-and-file police officers; they wanted to fight crime.

The breakthrough, or at least the breakthrough that initially received the most attention, was in the New York City subway starting in 1990. Its seemingly intractable problems of disorderly behavior and its increasing mix of minor crime (especially farebeating) and more serious crimes (especially robbery) gave way to problem solving; broken windows policing; and, in general, assertive, targeted policing. For the first time in three decades, crime went down and has gone down every year since. With continuity of leadership, the lessons learned in the subway were subsequently applied in New York City itself by the recently enlarged NYPD, resulting in the now well-known crime reductions. Between these two efforts community policing matured: good policing not only sought the approval and cooperation of neighborhoods and communities to define and solve problems, good policing also prevented crime by changing the behavior of a substantial number of would-be miscreants. To be sure, partners were required. In the subway, for example, partners included maintenance staff, station managers, and business improvement districts (BIDS), in the last case to reclaim Grand Central Station and its immediate environment.

Moreover it became clear that good policing was an investment in a community. Good policing generated wealth through improving the conditions under which other organizations, public and private, operated. The private sector (property values, asset protection, places of worship, conduct of commerce, etc.) and the public sector (schools, transportation, recreation, etc.) simply cannot function adequately without basic levels of order and safety. Even other forms of community protection—for example, firefighting—cannot function without order and safety. Police matter—a lot.

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2012-12-12T03:23:00.001-08:00

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