Lagos State Launches Community Policing Initiative

In a bid to strengthen security in the state, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, launched the community policing initiative. 

The work of the State Community Policing Advisory Committee is to supplement the work of the Police Force, as the governor of the state says that the police become overwhelmed when it is expected to "do it alone."

Sanwo-Olu said, “The work that the Police are expected to do becomes more difficult when they are expected to do it alone. No matter how well-resourced or technologically advanced a Police Force might be, there might be no progress without the trust and support of the communities in which they operate. Every citizen has a role to play in ensuring that the security architecture functions optimally.

“We are implementing this policing initiative with the sole objective of creating a platform for citizens’ participation towards improving security in our communities.

“Community policing, in its ideal implementation, will take a lot of pressure off the Police Force and allow them to focus their energy and resources where it matters most. It will give citizens and residents a strong sense of participation in governance, and strengthen the social contract between the Government and the governed. A citizen-centric approach to tackling crime and criminality is a big plus for democratic practice and governance.”

The State Community Policing Advisory is co-chaired by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu and Chairman, Council of Obas and Chiefs in Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu.