NCJ Number
89252
Journal
IJPA Volume: 28 Issue: 2 Dated: (April-June 1982) Pages: 334-372
Date Published
1982
Length
40 pages
Annotation
The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) is experiencing problems in the areas of personnel, funding, expanded traffic problems, equipment, antiquated penal codes, public relations, and grievance procedures, but these problems can be addressed.
Abstract
One of the greatest problems facing the NPF is a shortage of quality personnel. This problem should not be addressed by lowering standards to increase applicants and recruits, but rather standards and pay should be raised to attract persons with better educational backgrounds. A direct result of the selection of incompetent persons has been a reduction in personnel efficiency and effectiveness. The NPF has been further handicapped by the lack of sufficient and modern police equipment and materials, which is in turn related to insufficient funding. Funds could be increased by expansion of motor vehicle licensing fees and fines. The increase in traffic accidents in Nigeria can be attributed to the expanded use of motor vehicles without adequate traffic controls and codes. Public cooperation with the police has been poor, largely because of the public's fear of becoming involved with the police, who are perceived by the public as being incompetent and corrupt. This can be remedied by a change in personnel policies that might include (1) mandatory participation of recruits in continuing education or adult education programs, (2) an extension from 6 to 12 months of recruit training, and (3) intensification of inservice training programs. Citizen-police conflict could also be reduced by improving police complaint procedures, which have not adequately provided for independent review of citizen complaints. Fifty-one references are listed.