Strategies for Effective Management of Police Services in Nigeria

摘要

The success of a security outfit (like Police Force) depends on the strategies and structure in operation in the organization. The study was embarked on to unravel the possible ways of positioning Nigerian Police system for effective service delivery through its strategies and structure. Nigerian police was instituted by the colonial authors on the threshold of oppression to achieve subjection and control. Upon this pattern of operation, the Nigerian police force lost the confidence of the public; this furthered the relationship that eased their work and the true taste of police system. To position this agency for desired performance, several changes were made in the strategies and structure of the force, de-emphasizing on the issues that are no longer contemporary problems and emphasizing on the contemporary bane of the nation like corruption, and insecurity. This paper adopted the mono-method qualitative approach which made use of secondary sources of data collection. Findings, revealed that the department of the Force that was responsible for information and intelligent gathering, the CID has lied dormant for long a time due to lack of adequate structure as a background that will add value to the department. Furthermore, the force was bedeviled with poor information gathering due to lack of trust and confidence on the police force, the level of motivation was found to be poor, no insurance policy for the Force. In conclusion, it is obvious to note that Nigeria police force has suitable strategies that are capable of a sustainable performance, but challenged by lack of corresponding structure to work the strategies. The study recommended that one DIG in addition to the twelve DIGs should be integrated to man a department with the duty of developing and maintaining good relationship with the public, and providing EFCC, ICPC and other crime related agencies with the needed force in discharging their duties. Finally, there is need for an upward review of the reward and compensation package of the Nigeria Police Force as a way of stepping up on motivation, particularly in the area of training and re-training of the Police officers. A mindset of seeing a well trained police officer as an investment to the country’s security sector which translates to security of life and properties must be developed and nurtured. Keywords: Strategy, Structure, Nigeria Police Force, Performance