Kayode Egbetokun, the acting inspector general of police, has mandated the creation of a thorough training program and curriculum for police colleges and training institutions to improve professionalism.
In a statement on Friday, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the force’s public relations officer, added that in addition to physical and technical fitness, a greater emphasis would be placed on behavioral and attitude changes.
Adejobi claims that the directive is supported by IGP Egbetokun’s dedication to raising professionalism, efficiency, and public confidence in law enforcement.
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He said that the IGP recognizes that law enforcement is a complex field that calls for not only physical stamina and technical expertise but also mental alertness and the highest standards of moral character, empathy, and effective communication.
“The new training program will be designed to address the importance of attitude and behavioral changes, fostering a positive and community-oriented mindset among police personnel by instilling values such as integrity (and) effective communication,” he said.
Along with emphasizing the importance of respectful and compassionate interactions with the public, the planned modules should also improve interpersonal skills, conflict resolution strategies, cultural sensitivity, and de-escalation techniques with the goal of fostering greater trust and cooperation between law enforcement and the communities we serve.
Additionally, the statement said, “the training program will incorporate scenarios and simulations that replicate real-life situations, allowing officers to practice critical decision-making skills while taking into account the potential impact on community relations.”.
The IGP also pledged to closely collaborate with seasoned instructors, subject matter specialists, and community stakeholders to create a “comprehensive” training program.
He added that he had a “firm” conviction that the training program would strengthen ties between the police and the communities while enabling officers to gain the trust of the public, comprehend various points of view, and take proactive measures to address problems that could endanger their safety and well-being.
