The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 13, Ukpo, Anambra State, AIG Miller Gajere Dantawaye, has warned officers of the Anambra State Police Command against indiscriminate arrest and detention of suspects allegedly carried out to satisfy complainants.
Dantawaye issued the warning during his official visit to the Anambra State Police Command, following his posting to take charge of the zone.
The AIG declared that the era of impunity and uninvited interference in public matters was over, stressing that police officers must uphold professionalism, civility and respect for members of the public.
Addressing officers of the command, Dantawaye said he would not treat reports of indiscriminate arrest and detention lightly, while also cautioning District Police Officers, DPOs, against maintaining dirty and untidy police facilities.
He said there would be no compromise under his leadership in Zone 13, comprising Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi States, in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police.
According to him, police officers must treat members of the public with respect and remember that they are paid to protect lives and property while maintaining a high level of civility.
Dantawaye urged officers to do the right thing at all times in order to protect and sustain the integrity of the Nigeria Police Force.
He also stressed the importance of personal and environmental cleanliness, noting that officers must improve their level of neatness when interfacing with members of the public.
The AIG further warned that he could make unannounced visits to police stations within the zone to assess their operations and environment.
He said his leadership would not tolerate impunity or indiscipline from any officer working under the Zone 13 jurisdiction.
Dantawaye also called for stronger collaboration between the police and residents of Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi States, stressing the need for collective efforts to keep the zone free from violent crimes.
On the handling of disputes, the AIG charged officers to consider Alternative Dispute Resolution, ADR, where appropriate, instead of making arrest and detention the automatic response to every complaint.
He warned officers against arresting and detaining people simply to please complainants or using the police to settle personal disputes.
According to him, not every matter brought before the police must end in arrest and detention, as officers should also advise complainants on peaceful and lawful mechanisms for resolving appropriate disputes.
Dantawaye stressed that the responsibility of the police is to maintain law and order and not to become tools in the hands of individuals seeking to oppress or intimidate their opponents.
He further announced plans for officers within the zone to undergo specialised training in various aspects of policing and crime prevention.
The areas listed for the proposed training include arms handling, intelligence gathering, investigation procedures, administration and other relevant aspects of police operations.
The AIG said the training would help strengthen the capacity of officers and improve professional policing across the Zone 13 jurisdiction.
