The Delta State Police Command has intensified efforts to strengthen human rights compliance and community policing through a series of interactive engagements involving police officers, community leaders, and other key stakeholders across the state.
The initiative, organised in collaboration with the Police Service Commission (PSC), focused on promoting professionalism within the Nigeria Police Force, protecting citizens against unlawful police actions, and fostering stronger police-community relations.
The sessions, hosted by the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, brought together police officers, members of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), community leaders, and other stakeholders for discussions on constitutional policing, citizens’ rights, and collaborative approaches to security.
Speaking during the engagements, the Police Service Commission Consultant on Community Policing and Technical Advisory on Human Rights Violations and Allied Infractions, Dr. Olayinka Balogun, emphasised the need for officers to uphold professionalism, due process, and respect for fundamental human rights in the discharge of their duties.
Balogun, a retired Commissioner of Police, also addressed concerns surrounding police involvement in civil disputes, including land-related matters, cautioning officers against exceeding their constitutional and statutory responsibilities.
He explained that maintaining clear boundaries between criminal and civil matters remains essential to safeguarding public trust and ensuring accountability within the force.
The engagement also served as a platform for police officers to seek clarification on operational and legal challenges encountered in the course of duty. Participants raised questions on various aspects of policing, law enforcement procedures, and human rights concerns, receiving professional guidance aimed at improving service delivery and lawful conduct.
Addressing officers, Commissioner of Police Yemi Oyeniyi urged personnel of the command to internalise the lessons from the training and remain committed to ethical, people-oriented policing.
According to him, respect for human rights, civility, accountability, and professionalism are central to effective law enforcement and necessary for sustaining public confidence in the police.
In a separate session, community leaders, PCRC members, and stakeholders engaged in discussions on community policing, citizens’ responsibilities, police-community relations, and the role of residents in crime prevention and public safety.
Stakeholders used the opportunity to express concerns affecting security and policing within their communities, with facilitators offering explanations designed to improve public understanding of police processes and encourage greater cooperation in tackling crime.
The Delta State Police Command said the engagements align with ongoing efforts by the Police Service Commission to address human rights violations and strengthen trust between law enforcement agencies and the public.
