The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, on Monday stressed the need for “social content” policing in police public relations practice, to connect the force with the public.
Arase spoke when he declared open a two-day workshop for Police Public Relations Officers drawn from the 36 state commands, FCT and the 12 zonal commands across the country.
The police boss urged the force image makers, to make social content policing part of public relations in their various commands.
“There is a social content to policing.
“I will expect that as public relations officers, once a month you should be able to meet with journalists and communities in your areas to discuss what your command is doing.
“You must connect with the community; no police in the world can perform without the community.
“You must be able to reach out and talk to them about things like the disadvantages of drug addiction, cultism, kidnapping or criminal gangs and other vices,” he said.
Arase said this was necessary to avoid being reactive and issuing rejoinders on police actions and in-actions always.
The IG, who stressed the need to carry along all non-state actors like students, youths, market women and the likes, advised police public relations officers to accept criticisms.
“I do not want you to be adverse to criticism; criticisms are good for you. They make you to take a look at yourselves and aspire for higher standard.
“If people criticize you, it is not that they hate you; they want you to take a look at yourselves and improve your performances.
“It is not necessary to write rejoinder all the time, once you are proactive, once you know what to do and articulate the views of the force and your command ,” Arase said. NAN
