UNDP, Others Train 620 Police Officers In Best Practices

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), German Government, CLEEN Foundation have trained Nigeria Police Force personnel in attitudinal change and international best practices for Police officers.

The programme , which was also supported by the Police Reform and Transformation Office (PORTO) and the GS-Foundation lasted over several months and concluded on Friday.

Speaking at the event, UNDP ‘s senior police training advisor, Adewale Ajadi said: “our goal is to train the police officers, who will train other police officers on the lastest latest laws and use and approach that is conducive for adult education so that the Nigeria Police can be a police Force of the 21st century that Nigerians are looking for .

“This time around, 120 personnel were trained and they will go back to train others.”

On how satisfied he is as a facilitator, Ajadi said: “he believes everyone that was trained today is leaving with a see planted in him or her. It is now up to them and their commands to nuture the lessons they have learned today. The goal is also to help them nuture the seed planted today.

“The last time we did, about 500 personnel were trained and we did an impact assessment on them which should they are good enough. They trained the recruits and many recruits were trained in the manner that is expected of them. We are hopeful for this group as long as they have the time and the space to apply these skills, they will do what we are expecting them to do.”

Also speaking, Ekweonu Henry of CLEEN Foundation said this is actually a third batch for this second phase and a total of over 620 officers have been trained from the training colleges.

He further said the aim of the training is to train police officers on best international practices on the Police Act and other relevant laws in the country that guide daily activities.

The officers trained are expected to train the new recruit coming into the Police Force.

Recall that the acting inspector-general of police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun had directed the development of comprehensive training programme and curriculum with emphasis on attitudinal, behavioural changes of policemen.

The IGP expressed his commitment to enhancing professionalism, effectiveness, and public trust in law enforcement personnel.

The Force PRO, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi had also said, “In line with this commitment, the IGP has set in motion machineries for the development of a comprehensive training programme and curriculum for colleges and training schools that will place increased emphasis on attitudinal and behavioural changes, alongside physical and technical fitness.

“The IGP acknowledges that law enforcement is a multifaceted profession that requires not only physical strength and technical proficiency but also mental alertness and the highest standards of ethical conduct, empathy, and effective communication.”

He said the new training programme will be designed to address the importance of attitudinal and behavioural changes, fostering a positive and community-oriented mindset among police personnel by instilling values such as integrity, effective communication, emphasising the significance of respectful and compassionate interactions with members of the public, enhancing interpersonal skills, conflict resolution techniques, cultural sensitivity, and de-escalation strategies aimed at enhancing the trust and cooperation between law enforcement and the communities we serve.