…says to succeed as ‘Police Image Makers, you must be versatile’
By Okosun Dennis
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) has flagged off a three-day capacity-building workshop for Police Public Relations Officers across the 36 states of the federation.
Declaring the event opened, IGP Usman Baba reminded the participants 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.
The workshop is organized in partnership with the Nigeria – German Development Cooperation (GIZ) and is taking place at the Radisson Blu, Ikeja, Lagos.
The theme of the workshop, “Crime Scene Management and Conclusive Criminal Investigations – The Role of Police Spokespersons”, will hold from today, through to September 3, 2021.
In his appreciation, the IGP applauded the Head of Component, GIZ Nigeria, Gertjan de Gruijter, for GIZ’s approval and for undertaking to sponsor and organize this workshop as part of the many interventions by the organization in building and strengthening Police structures and capacity in Nigeria.
In his speech, IGP Baba stated, “Let me state that I am particularly excited about this workshop, owing to the fact that, it is coming at a time when the Force is implementing a new Manpower Development Policy, which amongst other things, focuses on improving the capacity of Police personnel across all ranks, in line with new policing standards and best practices.
“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 germane 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 inquiries into matters of forensic and evidential nature connected to ongoing criminal investigations.
“I have no doubt that the 3-days workshop would, amongst other benefits, impact Police Spokespersons positively, particularly in the areas of Strategic Communication and Crime Scene Management.
“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-in to the ever demanding, dynamic but necessary task of information management and public engagement, for the Force.
“I am confident that the trainees will put up their best of performance throughout the period of the training and reflect the knowledge gained in their service delivery.
He further explained that “The Nigeria Police, under my 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 reiterated.
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