Establishment Of State Policing

Establishment Of State Policing

Community or State Policing, has its origin in America and some European countries.

The concept became prominent at a time when riots and gang activities were on the increase.

Community or State policing, is premised on the security of lives and property, based on the collaborative efforts of the people and the police.

In Nigeria, the heightened security challenges ranging from armed banditry, rape, kidnapping, to clashes between farmers and herders, has compelled stakeholders including governors, to demand establishment of the state policing model.

The stakeholders are of the view that the current centrally controlled police model, is no longer fashionable and thereby, expressed the need for state policing as one of the critical components of federalism, where governors should be in direct control and command of police operations at the state level.

At the moment, the chief law officer under the status of governors, is a mere appellation, as they rely on Commissioners of Police that are appointed by the Inspector General of Police, that gives orders at the centre.

Going by the existing arrangement, Commissioners of Police must at all times, seek clearance from the Inspector General, before reacting to some crisis.

There is no doubt that such an arrangement has slowed the wheels of progress in fighting crime and insecurity, that necessitated the idea of state police.

However, some stakeholders have a contrary opinion, as they are of the view that Nigeria’s democracy is not ripe for establishment of the state policing model.

With the lingering security situation in the country, there is the compelling need to strike a balance and present a workable solution to the prevailing situation in the country.

No doubt, the argument for and against the establishment of state policing, has continued to resonate in the hearts of many Nigerians beyond the fact that the state police can be hijacked by Governors and politicians to intimidate their political opponents, funding is also one of the factors to consider, when establishing state policing.

It is a fact that the security architecture, particularly as regards policing, is built on so many factors ranging from infrastructure development, arms and uniform procurement, recruitment processes to training of the personnel.

This is a capital intensive venture that should be carried out with introspection before implementation, to avoid a situation where officers and men of the outfit, will resort to revenue generation for themselves rather than protecting the lives and property of citizens.

In addition, some Nigerians are skeptical about the activities of the current Federal structure, as these negative perceptions are capable of reducing what many consider a good plan in addressing insecurity in Nigeria.

In as much as there are so many concerns trailing the establishment of the state policing model, it is a welcomed development that should be considered.

The simple fact remains that the model will accommodate local residents who are conversant with their environment, in policing, as it might be the panacea to the nation’s security challenges.

By Daniel Karlmax, Edited By Grace Namiji