Improving Police-Citizens Relationship: Tips for Safe and Cordial Interactions

Improving Police-Citizens Relationship: Tips for Safe and Cordial Interactions

Ordinarily, encounters between the citizens and the Police or other law enforcement agents should be reassuring and delightful. In fact, the mere sight of the Police ought to generate in the citizen an instant feeling of relief, safety and security.

Some encounters in the past had led to embarrassment, injuries, permanent disability and, in extreme cases, death of the citizens. Similarly, some security agents have also suffered molestation and harm from such encounters.

While Police officers are reminded of the need to exercise ‘courageous calm’ and avoid resort to the use of deadly force or lethal weapon at the slightest provocation, members of the public on the other hand are expected to avoid actions that could turn simple encounters with security personnel into more serious ones.
It is against this backdrop that we are today providing our followers with tips that could help in enhancing cordial relationship between the Police and the citizenry.

Tips for safe and cordial relationship at check points

When approaching a security checkpoint or when flagged-down by the Police or other security agencies;

Endeavor to slow down your vehicle. It shows that you are not reckless. It also douses suspicion that you are a criminal and may want to speed-off.
Turn down the volume of your car stereo. Courtesy demands this. Besides, you are able to hear each other better. This simple act will also help you to win the confidence of the security operative.
Keep your hands visible to avoid unnecessary suspicion or fear by the officers that you are attempting to bring out a gun or other harmful objects to attack them
Turn on the inner light of your vehicle while approaching the cops (if at night). It readily sends an unspoken message that you have nothing to hide.
Endeavour to be polite even when answering questions put to you by the officers
Don’t dare or challenge an armed security man to a duel. Oftentimes, you hear people say things like ‘shoot me, if you can!” Note that this is a recipe for disaster! It is very provocative and an unnecessary call for war. So, please play safe, more so, as you do not know the state of mind of the officer concerned.
Also, don’t go into a physical fight with an armed security officer. He may resort to the use of his weapon (rightly or wrongly) to defend himself.
Avoid unnecessary argument with armed security personnel. There are a thousand and one ways to seek redress where you feel your rights have been infringed upon.
Never try to touch an officer in an unfriendly manner. He may suspect you of trying to disarm him.
If you are a regular traveler or road user, make sure you have the police emergency phone numbers of the route you operate. You never can tell when an emergency situation could arise and you need the Police to come to your aid.
Take note of the name tags, Force or Service numbers, personal description, description of weapons or patrol vehicle of the security officer especially where the officers begin to conduct themselves in unprofessional manner.
Seek audience with the most senior police officer at the check point if things are not working out smoothly.
Politely insist to be taken to the police station if your complaint is not properly addressed.

Finally, let’s me be the Police for you. They may be wondering what is giving me morale. We heard your comments and we are ready to serve you better. Dont get tired of accessing us.Thank you for believing in us.

Call Command on 07039194332 or the PRO on 08039334002,DSP Ikenga Tochukwu