In a bid to promote effective policing and address public concerns, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has Beckoned on Nigerians to desist from using social media to report police misconduct Instead, he encouraged citizens to direct their complaints to the Police Complaints Response Unit (PCRU), a specialized body designed to investigate and resolve such issues.
Speaking at the PPROs/Police Communication Experts’ Conference in Asaba, Delta State, on Monday, the IG warned that using social media to report grievances often perpetuates false information, damaging the police force’s reputation and integrity.
“We appeal to the public not to resort to social media when reporting the conduct of police officers but rather use the Police Complaints Response Unit”.
Egbetokun emphasized that official platforms offer a more organized and accountable way to address grievances, ensuring that concerns are handled efficiently and effectively.
He also admitted that social media significantly influences public opinion, but it also poses a risk of spreading unverified information, leading to misconceptions.
The Inspector General of Police underscored the significance of transparency and accountability in policing and identified the media as a key partner in achieving these goals.
“I’m glad to address the PPROs/Police Communication Experts’ Conference. I thank the governor for hosting this conference. This conference is part of police reform, aimed at building trust and respect, which will, in turn, help us gain public trust,” .
In the same veil, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori who kicked off the conference, highlighted the policing challenges in Delta and Lagos, stressing the importance of accurate information dissemination and robust police-public engagement.
Eniola Jolaoso