By Adeyinka Adeniran
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has said in an era where the relationship between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve is under intense scrutiny, the concept of community policing emerges as a beacon of hope and a transformative approach to law enforcement.
He described community policing as a strategy of policing that focuses on developing relationships with community members, noting that traditional policing models have often left communities feeling disconnected, mistrustful, and marginalized.
The monarch however pointed out that the tide is shifting as more law enforcement agencies recognize the many benefits of community policing.
Oba Owoade spoke when the National Executive Committee of the Police/ Community Relations Council (PCRC), led by its National Chairman, Alhaji Mogaji Lawal paid him a courtesy visit at his residence located at Boroboro area in Oyo town.
Speaking, Alaafin Owoade noted that while it is essential for the Police to establish trust within the community that they are policing for their success, unfortunately, many people fear law enforcement and do not trust them to keep them safe.
According to him, “Community policing lays the foundation for building trust and a profound sense of security by creating open lines of communication and collaboration between law enforcement officers and residents.
“When Police officers actively engage with community members on a regular basis, they become familiar faces. It is much more comforting seeing a familiar face in a time of need rather than a stranger in a uniform who you feel is looking at you as a potential threat.
“This familiarity humanizes the Police force and allows residents to see officers as allies who genuinely care about their well-being”.
The monarch pointed out that trust and cooperation build strong relationships and would encourage community members to cooperate with police, report crimes, and provide vital information, saying that the collaboration is key to effective policing.
“Positive interactions and collaboration between police and communities lead to more effective crime prevention and problem-solving, making neighbourhoods safer. When communities trust the police, a safer environment is created as people are more likely to follow laws and assist in maintaining order.
“Good relationships ensure community support for police actions and initiatives, enhancing their legitimacy and effectiveness, reduce tension and conflict, just as positive relationships help reduce misunderstandings, tension, and conflicts between police and community members, fostering a more harmonious coexistence”.
He lauded the concerted efforts of the PCRC since its creation in ensuring improvement in trust and open communication in the quality of policing, which he said is, leading to fairer and more just outcomes for all communities.
He also gave kudos to the Council for its accountability and transparent initiatives, resulting in strong relationships that encourage accountability and transparency in policing practices, and which, he added, has remained essential for addressing issues of misconduct and building community confidence.
Earlier in his remarks, the National Chairman of the PCRC, Alhaji Lawal said the Council’s unrelenting efforts on resilience in crisis has been working positively in ensuring that in times of crisis or emergency, established trust and good relationships enable more effective and coordinated responses between the police and the communities.
Alhaji Lawal also hinted that since the establishment of the PCRC, it had embarked on regular, open communication and community outreach programmes to build trust and transparency.
“We are also implementing Community Policing Strategies whereby the Police are working closely with residents to address local concerns and co-create solutions to foster a sense of shared responsibility and cooperation”.
While using the occasion to congratulate Oba Owoade on his appointment as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, he described the Paramount Ruler as “” unequalled and a monarch with distinction in Yoruba history “.
Highlight of the event was the pronouncement of the Alaafin as the Grand Patron of the PCRC and to the delight of the Royal Father.
