The new Police Commissioner in Lagos state, Abiodun Alabi, on Monday assured residents of the state of policing to keep the state safe from criminals.
Mr. Alabi, while presenting his police template and strategy during the handover ceremony at the Police Command Headquarters in Ikeja, said that the presence of the police would deter criminals in society.
Mr. Alabi, who succeeded Deputy Inspector General of Police Hakeem Odumosu, added that Lagos State is familiar territory for him as he has served the state for many years in different capacities.
“It is with a deep sense of responsibility that I welcome everyone here to my press conference as Police Commissioner, Lagos State Command.
“It has become necessary to bring my model and my police vision to the fore.
“Police visibility and control of the security space, ensuring the presence of police officers at all times to deter criminals as a preventive measure.
“We will ensure that the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) is encouraged and strengthened to respond promptly and effectively to citizen concerns.” he said.
The new PC said there would also be respect for fundamental human rights by ensuring that no human rights violations under his command and watch would be tolerated.
“The conduct of our men in the performance of their duties must be in accordance with our professional ethics, especially in matters of corruption and extrajudicial executions and acts of discourtesy with members of the public.
“We will strive to build trust with members of the public, particularly with state and non-state actors through intelligence-led community policing.
“Area commanders and divisional police officers will be encouraged to meet regularly with non-state actors to ensure common issues facing their various areas of responsibility are addressed collectively.” he said.
However, Alabi added that he would be open to constructive criticism, as it would help improve the police structure in the state.
“I will not be allergic to constructive criticism, but I will see it as information to realign our security architecture for our policing strategy.
“Therefore, I will encourage collaboration with the fourth state of the kingdom and call for problems related to our policing policies in the state to be reported immediately.
“I will also strive to hold parliaments with journalists where solutions are presented and discussed in a friendly manner.” he said.
The Lagos police chief said there would be dedicated lines to get public comment while new crime patterns would be monitored and mapped.
“Some lines dedicated to members of the public will be implemented for accessibility and comments to members of the public on issues of our common security.
“Crime trends and patterns will be continuously monitored to ensure a mapping of crime in the state that allows us to design appropriate strategies to prevent crime.” he said.
Mr. Alabi further read the riot law to the warring factions in the state when he said that gang riots would be dealt with comprehensively and the culprits would face the consequences of their actions.
The CP said it would also strengthen inter-agency collaboration and synergy with a strong and healthy relationship with the heads of security agencies in Lagos state in the management of the state.
He commended the Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, Chairman of the Police Service Commission for considering him fit to be posted to Lagos State.
Mr. Alabi praised outgoing Police Commissioner Hakeem Odumosu for his operational prowess.
He said that he would anchor his programs in those established by Mr. Odumosu, consolidate them and put in place the necessary strategies to guarantee that the state of Lagos in the not too distant future satisfies our aspirations and desires for security as a people.
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“I promise to work assiduously with all the officers and men of the command to make Lagos a safer place for investment and housing.” he said.
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Outgoing Police Commissioner Hakeem Odumosu, who is now Assistant Inspector General in charge of Federal Operations, further requested support for the new CP, adding that policing is a collective responsibility.
“Police work is not a one-man job but a collective one. I will attribute my praise to my officers and the people for their support.
“I request that the same support be extended to the new CP, especially now that we are entering the political climate.
“There will be so many challenges, so I want your support for him. We can’t see each other without the members of the public.
“Members of the press, please keep doing your investigative report as it helps us do our job,” he said.
Mr. Odumosu also commended IGP Usman Alkali Baba for giving him the opportunity to serve in the command and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his support.
(YAYA)