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COVID-19: Police IG Takes Steps to End Police-Public Conflicts, Unveils New Operational Guidelines

– Reels-out measures to deal with emerging incidents of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and more ​

The
Inspector-General of Police, IGP M.A Adamu, NPM, mni has unveiled a new
Operational Guidelines for the Police and other Law Enforcement
Agencies on COVID-19 prevention enforcement duties, today, 8th June,
2020 at the Force Headquarters, Abuja. This is part of measures to
foster a more harmonious relationship between the Police and members of
the public, deepen respect for the rights of citizens, provide a new set
of policing tools for tackling emerging crimes such as domestic
violence, rape, child molestation and other incidents of Gender-Based
Violence (GBV).

The IGP notes with concern, increase in
reported cases of domestic violence, rape, defilement, cybercrimes etc
linked with the COVID-19 restrictions. These unfortunate incidents have
prompted the introduction of this Operational Guidelines which will help
to adequately coordinate and reshape the conducts of personnel of the
Force and other law enforcement agencies on the frontline of operations
in the enforcement of the COVID-19 prevention orders. It will also serve
as a standard code of conduct for Police officers in similar operations
in the future.

Consequently, the IGP has also ordered the
strengthening of the Gender-Desk Units and the Juvenile Welfare Centres
(JWCs) across the country and the deployment of investigative assets to
deal with gender related offences. In addition, the Cybercrime Unit of
the Force has also been strengthened to deal with cybercrimes connected
with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, the Assistant
Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police in Zonal and
State Commands as well as Heads of Police Departments/Formations have
been directed by the IGP to make the Guidelines subject of departmental
briefings and lectures. The Operational Guidelines will also serve as a
training manual in all Police training institutions.

The IGP has
equally charged the Force Provost Department, the X-Squad, the Force
Public Relations Department, the Complaint Response Unit and the Public
Complaint Bureau to carry out their oversight roles of adequate
evaluation and monitoring of officers to ensure compliance with the
Guidelines and bring erring personnel to book. He also enjoins citizens
to cooperate with the Police and other Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs)
as all hands are on deck to curtail and contain the virus in the
country.

The IGP has expressed profound appreciation to the
Executive Director, CLEEN Foundation and the representative of the
British High Commission for their contributions and presence during the
unveiling of the Operational Guidelines. He also commends all other
corporate organizations who supported the Police in the publication of
the booklet.

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