NCJ Number
83601
Journal
Police Studies Volume: 4 Issue: 2 Dated: (Summer 1981) Pages: 44-66
Date Published
1981
Length
23 pages
Annotation
The selection criteria and procedure for entrance into the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) are assessed, using police science evidence and basic standards for police services in other nations.
Abstract
Most national police forces require citizenship of applicants, as does the NPF. Exceptions to this standard should only be made to accommodate noncitizens who are trained specialists in areas of law enforcement in which the NPF lack manpower. The NPF has established minimun age standards for various ranks. This is harmful to the force, since it eliminates persons who are otherwise qualified to perform the work. The NPF can recruit those aged 29-32 years and still be consistent with its retirement scheme. The NPF requires that candidates not suffer from any type of physical deformity and requires them to pass the government medical examination for physical and mental fitness. In assessing test results, it is important to determine which defects are permanent and which can be corrected through training. Reasonable uncorrected and corrected sight requirements are needed. The NPF should establish a hearing standard. The present NPF height requirement of 66 in. for males and 64 in. for females is reasonable, as long as it does not have any social or political ramifications. Current background checks on applicants are not sufficient to determine their characters. Candidates for recruit constable must have at least a Government Class IV Certificate (a year short of a high school diploma). While this is currently appropriate, this requirement may have to be raised in the future to improve the quality and status of policing. The thoroughness which marks the selection methods of various police forces at the international level is missing from the NPF, and training is weak. A total of 102 references are listed.