COMMUNITY POICIING IN NIGERIA: AN OVERVIEW

COMMUNITY POICIING IN NIGERIA: AN OVERVIEW

The implementation of a community-based strategy for the management of criminal activities and behaviours in Nigeria represents the most recent endeavour by law enforcement officials to mitigate the escalating crime rates within the nation. Notwithstanding its potential efficacy, this approach is currently encountering various obstacles, including but not limited to the obstructionist actions of influential individuals within society during legal proceedings, the reluctance of certain corrupt law enforcement personnel to relinquish the status quo, financial limitations, and the unfavourable perception of the police force. The significance of the police in numerous societies is of utmost importance. Their primary responsibility entails upholding law and order within society and facilitating the execution of governmental policies. The etymology of the term ‘police’ can be traced back to its Greek root ‘Polis’, signifying the segment of non-ecclesiastical governance concerned with ensuring the security, well-being, and regulation of the state. Scholarly evidence indicates that while the concept of a formal “police force” is a relatively modern development, the practise of “policing” itself has existed for a considerable period. This practise has been deemed necessary by societies as a collective measure to safeguard individuals or groups and to regulate the misconduct of certain members. Such policing measures have been in place for centuries, as documented by Alemika and Chukwuma (2005) and Oluwaniyi (2011).

The police force holds a preeminent position as a constitutional organ within the realm of law enforcement agencies in Nigeria. As per the 1999 Constitution and the Police Act, the President holds the ultimate operational authority over the Nigeria Police Force. The Nigeria Police Force is typically the most prominent and readily available agency to the populace. However, there exist additional agencies in Nigeria that oversee the affairs of both citizens and non-citizens within the nation’s territorial boundaries (Abiri, 2011). In Nigeria, various administrations have endeavoured to implement reforms within the police force that align with current policing ideologies. Recently, the Nigerian police force has demonstrated a willingness to adopt the concept of community policing, which has been advocated by more advanced nations such as Britain and America (Ikuteyijo, 2018). A significant number of law enforcement personnel have undergone training in the principles of community policing, with some receiving instruction from both domestic and international sources. Notwithstanding, there exist specific obstacles that impede the feasibility of implementing community policing in Nigeria. One of the challenges that is encountered is the fluctuating security value in numerous communities. Most of these values are correlated with alterations in neighbourhood values that stem from the communal perception of law enforcement. The present moment presents an opportune time for the Nigerian police to implement a community-oriented policing strategy, particularly considering the erosion of public trust and confidence in the institution. According to Alemika and Chukwuma’s (2000) observations, significant portions of the Nigerian populace hold unfavourable perceptions of the police. The Nigerian media exacerbates the situation by eagerly disseminating any disparaging information regarding the police. Law enforcement agencies have implemented a variety of promotional initiatives with the objective of improving their reputation and altering the societal (mis)conception. However, these endeavours have largely been unsuccessful. Community policing is a collaborative approach that involves the partnership between law enforcement officials and members of the community. This approach is characterised by problem-solving strategies that aim to improve public safety.  The implementation of community policing can foster a sense of police officers being essential members of society, thereby mitigating the risk of their alienation from the public. According to Ikuteyijo (2018), it is imperative to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of policing. The police are constitutionally mandated to fulfil various roles, such as safeguarding individuals’ lives and property, preserving law and order, and other related duties. Paradoxically, law enforcement officials frequently find themselves entangled in a sequence of disputes with the populace whom they are tasked with safeguarding. The efficacy and efficiency of law enforcement in preventing and addressing criminal activity are jeopardised by the public’s perception of the police as untrustworthy and suspicious. Alemika and Chukwuma (2000) noted that the lack of trust between the police and the public has negative implications for society. Specifically, citizens’ participation in policing activities, such as reporting crimes, providing witness statements, and aiding in crime-solving efforts, is hindered by a communication barrier between law enforcement and the community. The significant disparity in communication between law enforcement and the community has resulted in a reluctance among individuals to report criminal activity to the authorities or serve as witnesses in legal proceedings. This is due to the perception that the police will not provide adequate protection in the event of retaliation from criminals or their associates.

Considering the aforementioned situations, it is imperative to have a more effective mechanism for maintaining law and order within society that garners the backing of its constituents. The philosophy of community policing is a novel approach to law enforcement that posits the collaborative efforts of police officers and civilians can effectively address contemporary community issues pertaining to crime, crime-related anxiety, social and physical disorder, and the deterioration of neighbourhoods (Okeshola & Mudiare, 2013). The implementation of community policing in various regions of the world entails a set of procedures, such as periodic evaluation conducted by appropriate external entities. The implementation of community policing has the potential to address the prevalent public scepticism and cynicism towards traditional policing in Nigeria. According to Ikuteyijo (2018), the promotion of community involvement and partnership with law enforcement in crime prevention initiatives is facilitated. Additionally, community concerns are incorporated into policing priorities through the organisation of frequent interactive forums between the police and the communities they serve.

Although the goals and objectives of community policing are commendable, there are certain concerns that obscure its applicability in the Nigerian context. Several of these issues are discussed within this section. The efficacy of community policing in Nigeria may be impeded by the historical and contemporary issues of community distrust towards law enforcement unless these concerns are adequately resolved. The enduringly contentious dynamic between law enforcement personnel and individuals within the community has the potential to impede the efficacy of the programme. The notion of ‘Godfatherism’ is considered a crucial element in the implementation of successful community policing strategies in Nigeria. According to Onyeozili (2005), there exists a phenomenon whereby government agents and high-ranking officials, who are tasked with the responsibility of investigating and prosecuting vices, engage in the provision of funds and support for such illicit activities, as well as the protection of individuals with connections to criminal enterprises. Corruption poses a significant threat to the efficacy of community policing in Nigeria. Law enforcement personnel who have previously derived advantages from the established norms of conventional policing may encounter challenges in adapting to the significant departure from the customary approach to policing. The statement suggests that the effective implementation of community policing requires a significant overhaul of the Nigerian police force’s personnel, as noted by Chene (2012). According to Akuul’s (2011) findings, insufficient human resources and suboptimal personnel deployment are the primary impediments to the successful implementation of community policing in Nigeria. The recruitment and training processes of the Nigeria police force are plagued by endemic issues, including inefficiency, indiscipline, and a dearth of expertise in specialised domains. The absence of well-conceived or negatively influenced visionary plans poses significant obstacles to the successful implementation of community policing in Nigeria. The implementation of police policies, including reform measures, appears to lack progress and assertiveness (Ordu & Nnam, 2017). The Nigeria police system is notably deficient in implementing crucial initiatives such as police-community partnership, police-community information sharing, and police involvement in community affairs, which are widely recognised as visionary programmes. The outcome of this apparent deficiency is a state of inactivity or a lack of professionalism in the way law enforcement conducts its operations.

Conclusion and Recommendation

In Nigeria, community policing is not effective without a positive public perception of the police. The community’s members require assurances regarding the police’s sincerity of intent. Due to the police’s damaged reputation in Nigeria, winning back the public’s trust may take some time. To ensure that they live above board in terms of corruption, the police will need to purge its rank and file. Massive reorientation and mass mobilisation of the police and civilians, respectively, should also be included in the reform programme. To ensure a positive relationship between the police and local vigilantes, the interaction between them needs to be balanced and placed into better perspective. Since they are closest to the people, local governments are most suited to handle this duty. To educate vigilantes on their tasks, as well as their limitations, and how to maintain successful synergy with the police force, local government regions should hold monthly seminars. In order to keep police motivated and willing to serve the nation by detecting and preventing crime through efficient community policing, the government must examine police salaries and improve their welfare. There is a need for media outlets to educate Nigerians on the benefits of neighbourhood policing.

References

Abiri, B. (2011). Models of community policing: What worked and what did not, CLEEN  Foundation experience. A paper presented at the 3rd biennial national conference on   community development in Nigeria, Nov. 22, 2011, Grand hotel, Asaba, Delta state,

Akuul, T. (2011). The role of the Nigeria police force in maintaining peace and security in  Nigeria. Journal of Social Science and Public Policy, 3, 16-23.

Alemika, E., & Chukwuma, C. (2000). Police Community Violence in Nigeria. Abuja,           Nigeria: Centre for Law Enforcement Education and National Human Rights   Commission.

Chene, M. (2012). Community policing as a tool against corruption. U4Anti-corruption Resource  Centre, Transparency International. Retrieved 19^th June 20, 2023, from www.U4.no

Chukwuma, I. (2002). “Vigilante and Policing in Nigeria” in Law Enforcement Review, July-    September, Lagos, CLEEN.

Ikuteyijo, L. (2018). The Challenges of community policing in Nigeria. International Journal of         Police Science & Management, 11(3), 285-293.

Okeshola, F. B. & Mudiare, P. E. (2012). Community policing in Nigeria. Challenges and         prospects. American International Journal of Contemporary Research. 3 (7): 134-138.

Oluwaniyi, O. O. (2011). Police and the institution of corruption in Nigeria, Policing and Society. An      International Journal of Research and Policy 21 (1): 67-83,

Onyeozili, E. C. (2005). Obstacles to Effective Policing in Nigeria. African Journal of      Criminology and Justice Studies, 1(1), 32–54.

Ordu, G., & Nnam, M. (2017). Community policing in Nigeria: A critical Analysis of Current    Developments. International Journal of Criminal Justice Sciences, 12(1), 83-97.

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