Police to get new code of conduct

Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar,
says a Code of Conduct has said professional
standards have been drawn up for policemen while
human rights desks will be established in police
stations across the country.
Abubakar said this while receiving a copy of the
enhanced police training syllabus from the Swiss
Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Andreas Baum, in Abuja
on Monday.
He also said the police would activate a methodology
and teaching manual for use by their training
institutions and colleges to ensure sound
implementation.
The IG said, "To demonstrate our commitment to the
respect of human rights and the proper conduct of
policemen in the performance of their duties, this
administration has developed and will soon
inaugurate a Code of Conduct and professional
standards for all officers, as well as establishing
human rights desks in all police formations that will
be manned by qualified personnel.
"This administration is strongly committed to
ensuring that police officers conduct official duties
with utmost respect for the rights of citizens and
persons under criminal investigation. In order to
respect human rights therefore, the police must first
know and understand them
"The police must be familiar with the standard
international ethics and imbibe the very principles
guiding the profession. This is the invaluable
knowledge that the police must apply as they
perform their duties."
Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Mr. Parry
Osayande, said with the reviewed syllabus, the police
would perform better.
He said, "The Police Service Commission has a vision
of a highly motivated, professional, disciplined and
accountable police service that upholds human rights
and is committed to improving service delivery by
promoting transparency and accountability in the
police.
"We are prepared to work with all relevant
stakeholders to ensure operationalisation of the
reviewed syllabus, especially in terms of
development of the methodology and training
manual."
Baum, while appreciating the police and all
stakeholders for their s "genuine commitment and
collaboration towards the success of the human
rights syllabus", said the collaboration between the
Nigerian police, relevant civil society actors, and
international experts had been exemplary.
He said, "We are satisfied that together we have
been able to accomplish some substantive work
towards the quest for a policing that is effective,
lawful and humane. One which is able to balance its
enforcement responsibilities with the rights of the
citizens it is policing.
"It is hope that this introduction of human rights as a
major cross-cutting subject in the police curriculum
will not only enhance the effective practice of
policing, but also its moral, legal, and ethical
imperatives."