The Police Command in Lagos State on Friday reiterated its commitment to people-centred policing and improved service delivery.
By Deborah Akpede
The Police Command in Lagos State on Friday reiterated its commitment to people-centred policing and improved service delivery.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, made the pledge during the 2025 celebration of Customer Service Week with the theme: “Mission Possible” at POWA hall, Ikeja.
Jimoh said the engagement was aimed at fostering closer relationships with the police and the public.
“The public are our mirror because every organisation that ensures security must put the people at the centre of its operations,” he said.
According to him, effective policing begins with understanding the priorities of the people.
“Community policing is not a guesswork. What you think is the people’s problem may not actually be their problem. That is why we are here to listen and work together,” he added.
According to the commissioner, many incidents the police respond to may not immediately be a criminal matter but can escalate into a serious crime if neglected.
“Sometimes, a simple domestic misunderstanding can turn violent if not properly handled. When we respond early, we are preventing crime and saving lives,” he said.
He urged residents to view the police as partners in peace-building rather than adversaries, emphasising that anyone who called the police during a dispute was a peacemaker.
Acknowledging public concerns over police conduct, Jimoh assured that the command remains open to feedback and committed to continuous improvement in line with the Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun’s reform agenda.While responding to questions from stakeholders, the police boss urged the public not to pay for bail, stressing that bail was free.
“Report any officer who demands payment for bail to me directly or to
the command. Services rendered by the police remain free, extortion in any form will not be tolerated.
“In November, we will be printing stickers and banners that will be displayed in all police stations with the bold inscription ‘Bail is Free,” he said.
Speaking with journalists at the end of the event, Jimoh said that the celebration had provided an opportunity to assess performance, receive feedback, and chart a new phase of policing that prioritised partnership and trust.
He noted that the command had received several observations and recommendations from stakeholders, many of which had been adopted for implementation.
“It was a huge success for us in the command. We are now entering a new phase of engagement, not just waiting for people to come to us, but going to them to strengthen cooperation.
“Looking beyond Customer Service Week, the command assured residents of more friendly interactions with officers and a proactive approach to resolving non-criminal disputes before they escalate.
“The public should expect more friendship, more empathy, and more community-driven interventions. We are encouraging officers to engage the public with a human face,” he said.
Jimoh urged residents to continue partnering with the police in maintaining peace and security across the state.
Stakeholders commended the command for its community-oriented approach and pledged continued support to ensure sustained peace and security in the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)