By Izunna Okafor, Awka
Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) heading the various police divisions and stations across Anambra state have been charged to keep their stations clean and orderly, while also ensuring that personnel uphold discipline, professionalism and respect for the fundamental rights of citizens.
The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, gave the charge on Monday, September 14, during unscheduled visits to police divisions across the state, as part of efforts to assess operational readiness, personnel preparedness and policing at the grassroots.
The police stations and formations visited included the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu; Dunukofia Police Station; Oyi Police Station; and the newly-constructed Ogbunike Police Station.
At the stations, CP Nnanna inspected the general condition of the divisions’ facilities, arms and other operational equipment, while also assessing the readiness of personnel and the level of security preparedness in the various formations.
According to a statement issued to newsmen on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the state, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Police Commissioner, the visit was part of efforts by the Commissioner to strengthen policing at the various formations and localities, as well as ensure that officers and men were ready to respond to security challenges.
The Police Commissioner subsequently directed the DPOs to keep their personnel on their toes and ensure that officers remained available and responsive to security threats within their respective areas.
The Commissioner also drew the attention of the DPOs to the appearance and condition of their stations, directing them to prioritise the proper maintenance and facelift of their stations, to ensure that police facilities remain clean, functional and conducive to effective service delivery.
The CP was quoted as emphasizing that the physical condition of a police station contributes significantly to public confidence and the quality of engagement between the Police and the communities they serve.
According to him, a police station should not only be operational but also clean, orderly and functional enough to provide a conducive environment for both officers and members of the public seeking police services.
CP Nnanna equally reminded the personnel that effective policing must go hand in hand with professionalism and respect for citizens’ rights, directing them to maintain highest standards of discipline, courtesy and respect for fundamental human rights while carrying out their lawful duties.
While reiterating the Command’s commitment to proactive, intelligence-led and community-oriented policing, the CP further assured residents of continued efforts to strengthen operational strategies, deepen police visibility and sustain measures aimed at preventing crime and protecting lives and property.
