The Police Image in Nigeria: Matters Arising and Challenges
- March 13, 2020
- Posted by: RSIS
- Categories: IJRISS, Public Administration
International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume IV, Issue II, February 2020 | ISSN 2454–6186
The Police Image in Nigeria: Matters Arising and Challenges
Charles Chidi Eleonu PhD1, Madume, Winston2
1,2Dept. of Public Administration, Port Harcourt Polytechnic, Rumuola, Rivers State, Nigeria
Abstract: – The statutory functions of the police cover the protection of life and property of the citizens.
There is the observation that the issue of police image has generated interests in the Nigerian nation and beyond today. It is also observed that the police system in Nigeria as inherited at independence was militaristic. This paper examines how the police as the chief law enforcement agent in Nigeria dented their image by the abuse of their office and abuse of rights of citizens which they should protect. The research found that in Nigeria, the police have in their daily functions of policing and law enforcement violated the rights of Nigerians. Other findings include the issue of lacking credibility in the police force and that due process as neglected work ethics was prevalent. In this research emphasis was placed on the abuse of fundamental rights which affects the image of the police during rule implementation. The research concludes that proper orientation in respect of law and strict adherence to law enforcement rules will result to a positive change and redeem the image of the Nigeria police.
Key Words: Dignity and liberty, Militaristic, Lacking Credibility, Rules Enforcement, Orientation
I. CREATION OF POLICE
In 1663 watchmen in the city of London were paid to do work related to the duty of the police today. Those referred to here were the unemployed who were paid so as to guard the streets at night for safety. The watchmen were as inefficient as a few constables who continued to be the only form of policing in the London city. The watchmen and constables were unable to forestall lawlessness, especially in the city of London. This led to more demand for better and effective force to tackle hoodlums, miscreants, and criminals and to protect public interest. Effective deliberations in British Parliament, Sir Robert Peel in 1829 established the London Metropolitan Police. This creation resulted to become the world’s first modern organized police force.
