A WELCOME ADDRESS PRESENTED BY CP JOSEPH G. MUKAN, psc (+), THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, RIVERS STATE COMMAND ON THE INAUGURATION OF THE STATE COMMUNITY POLICING ADVISORY COMMITTEE (SCPAC) AT THE GOVERNMENT HOUSE, PORT HARCOURT.
His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Chief (Barr) Nyesom E. Wike, CON, DSSRS, POS AFRICA.
The DIG representing South-South Geo-Political Zone, DIG Anthony Michael Ogbizi, fdc
Members of the State Executive Council here present
The Chairman, Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers
Heads of sister Security Agencies here present
Other Senior Police Officers here present
Gentlemen of the Press
Ladies and Gentlemen
Let me on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, NPM, mni and the Deputy Inspector-General of Police representing the South-south Geo-political Zone, DIG Anthony Michael Ogbizi, fdc (incharge of Force CID Abuja) thank you for finding time to attend this epoch-making event of the formal inauguration of the State Community Policing Advisory Committee.
2. The Community Policing Advisory Committee is a fallout of the policy of the present dispensation of the Force in the recruitment of Special Constables, which power is derived from Force Order 291 on Community Policing. The Order empowers the Police at all levels to engage in active partnership with law abiding citizens, Government Agencies etc, collectively/collaboratively solve problems of crime, reduce fear of crime and ensure safe communities. Deriving its powers from the above Order, the IGP thought it expedient and pertinent to work out the modalities for a seamless approach.
3. Therefore, today marks a turning point in the journey towards achieving this lofty objective. The Police High Command after a considered appraisal of the process, created committees at the State, Local and Divisional levels to manage the operations of the policing concept.
4. The State Community Policing Advisory Committee (SCPAC), will coordinate and deal with community policing matters. In the order of hierarchy, the Commissioner of Police, will on behalf of the committee report to the State Security Council, chaired by the Governor of the State.
5. Members of the State Policing Advisory Committee (SCPAC), include:
i. The Chairman, Council of Traditional Rulers.
ii. The Commissioner of Police, who is to co-chair the committee with the Royal Majesty.
iii. Heads of Security Agencies in the State.
iv. One representative each from the Nigerian Council of Islamic Affairs (NCSA).
v. The Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
vi. The State Chairman, Police Community Relation Committee (PCRC).
vii. One representative each from the three Senatorial Districts in the State.
viii. The community policing guidelines also make provision for the above membership to be replicated at the local government and divisional levels.
The whole idea of the interventionist approach is to bring policing to the people and close the seeming gap between the public and the police.
Once again, let me thank you for your time in honouring our invitation to this inauguration with the strong belief that this will realize its full potentials.
CP JOSEPH G. MUKAN, psc (+),
COMMISSIONER OF POLICE,
RIVERS STATE COMMAND,
PORT HARCOURT.
