Joy Anyim
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Muhammed Alkali Baba, has said efforts are on to improve the efficiency of the forensic department of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), for effective crime fighting and investigation.
The police chief, who was speaking at the opening ceremony of a three-day training for the police public relations officers across the country and the force public relations department, stated that the forensic department of the force is a vital section that needs adequate attention.
The Nigerian Xpress reports that the training, with the theme: ‘Crime scene management and conclusive investigation, the role of police spokespersons’, was organised in conjunction with German Development Cooperation (GIZ)
Baba in his remark said: “This workshop for police public relations officers is timely and unique in many ways. One of these is the contextual theme of the workshop, which seeks to develop robust forensic awareness and knowledge for our spokespersons. This in itself flows from contemporary public relations practice, which identifies police spokespersons across the world as one of the first responders to crime scenes.
“This is in addition to many other important roles played by police spokespersons in managing crime incidents throughout the investigative processes. These roles are Germaine to the pursuit of professional criminal investigations and the dispensation of justice to both the victims and defendants.
“This course also seeks to equip the participants with skills necessary for effective descriptive, analytical and strategic communication, touching on criminal investigations and procedure. This in turn will enable them to acquire relevant skills to give appropriate responses to citizens and media enquiries into matter of forensic and evidential nature connected to ongoing criminal investigations.
“I have no doubt that the 3-day workshop would, amongst other benefits, impact Police Spokespersons positively, particularly in the areas of Strategic Communication and Crime Scene Management. In addition, participants of this course must be reminded that to succeed as Police Image Makers, they must be versatile and have deep theoretical and practical knowledge of all aspects of policing, covering administration, operations, investigations, forensics, amongst others.
“Therefore, the quest for resourcefulness remains an integral part of the objective of this course. I encourage the participants to take advantage of the opportunities the workshop presents, to interact, cross-fertilize and broaden their skills, especially in responding to crime incidents and to fit into the ever-demanding, dynamic but necessary task of information management and public engagement, for the force.”
He expressed confidence that the trainees will put up their best performance throughout the period of the training and reflect the knowledge gained in their service delivery.
The IGP further stated that the NPF, under his watch, remains committed to well-thought-out and goal-driven partnership and collaborations, with progressive and positive-minded organizations such as the GIZ, targeted at enhancing the professional, structural and operational capacity of the Force.
“The Force would sustain this relationship and open new areas of collaborations, particularly ones touching on capacities on criminal investigations, respect for human rights, access to justice for citizens, improved transparency and accountability in policing actions, and other deliberate efforts aimed at strengthening citizens’ complaint response system,” he added
The second batch of the workshop is scheduled to hold in Abuja.
This, the IGP said, was for the purpose of positive intellectual impact and also in compliance with COVID-19 prevention regulations.
Also speaking at the opening of the workshop, the director of GIZ in Nigeria, Mr. Gertjan Gruijter, said they will continue to train Nigeria Police for effective policing and crime-fighting.
Gruijter said Police, as a vital organ of the government, required training and retraining, which is why GIZ is doing its best to assist and make the force better for international standards.
“We have started training in Lagos and the next batch will be in Abuja. We are going to support the participants in the areas of crime scene management, laboratory support, operational support, human rights and accountability,” he promised.
