Lagos State Police Command on Tuesday deployed 1,250 Special Constabulary Officers for community policing in different parts of the state.

This was contained in a statement by the state government titled, ‘Lagos deploys 1,250 special constabularies to boost community policing’ on Tuesday.

The statement noted that the special constables had their passing-out parade at Police College, Ikeja on Tuesday.

During the event, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, appealed to Lagosians, especially community leaders and associations to support community policing by cooperating with the officers.

Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Ayinde, assured the Special Police Constabularies that his administration would support them to carry out their assignment most efficiently and effectively.

He said, “The issue of security and safety of lives and property has been a major source of concern, which requires deliberate and urgent attention by the government, and the cooperation of all citizens. In an attempt to address this challenge, there was a national consensus on the need to embrace community policing which has been identified as a potent strategy that will complement the efforts of the Nigerian Police to effectively combat crime and criminal activities.

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“I want to appeal to all Lagosians especially community leaders and associations to support this initiative by cooperating with these officers. They are no strangers but people that are known to you within your community. Let us, therefore, embrace this initiative to improve security and safety of lives and property within our various communities.”

Sanwo-Olu also implored the Special Police Constabularies to operate within the operational guidelines that had been given to them.

The Inspector-General of Police, Muhammed Adamu who was represented by Assistant Inspector General, Olasupo Ajani, warned the Special Constabulary officers not to see themselves as conventional police officers.

He said, “You are expected to be a link and to build a good relationship between police and the general public. As you might have known, you as Community Policing officers are very strong stakeholders in maintaining law and order and the protection of lives and property.

“You should always remember the local knowledge you were taught and make use of it wherever you may find yourselves.

“Lastly, you are warned not to wear any other police uniform except for the black uniform issued to you. Do not wear blue or the camouflage uniform of the conventional police officers”