Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, the Acting Inspector-General of Police, formally launched the inaugural Complaints Response Unit (CRU) at the Ikeja Police Command in Lagos on Wednesday.
Egbetokun highlighted that the CRU’s primary objective was to provide a platform for productive engagement between the police and the public, particularly in addressing instances of unprofessional behaviour among officers.
This unit aims to allow individuals and groups from the public to voice their complaints and seek resolution in cases of police misconduct and violations of human rights.
Egbetokun commended the command for adhering to his directive, which was based on Section 131 of the Police Act of 2020, authorising the Inspector-General of Police to establish such units across all states.
He emphasized that the CRU’s purpose wasn’t to target specific police officers but to foster transparency and accountability within the police force.
“It will foster better collaboration between the police and the community and help build public trust,” he stated.
Egbetokun urged the public to share information with the police while also assuring that the police force would display transparency to gain cooperation from citizens.
Furthermore, Egbetokun advised against reporting instances of police misconduct solely on social media.
“The officers assigned to the CRU will be carefully selected based on their integrity. They will receive continuous training, including opportunities for training abroad. If the police can fulfill their constitutional mandate, it will benefit us all,” he affirmed.
Mr. Idowu Owohunwa, the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, elaborated that the establishment of the state CRU framework is designed to strengthen police-citizen accountability.
He reassured citizens that their rights would be upheld and defended against any violation or malicious accusations stemming from their official interactions with the police.
“The CRU’s establishment is a commitment to legal provisions aimed at enhancing police accountability and improving professional service delivery, rather than targeting our diligent officers,” he clarified.
Owohunwa highlighted the unit’s e-crime reporting applications, enabling citizens to report crimes conveniently from their homes or workplaces without having to physically visit police stations.
He acknowledged the prevailing challenges in the state’s security landscape, including threats from cultism, armed robbery, kidnapping, murder, and sexual and gender-based violence.
In addressing these concerns, Owohunwa revealed a collaboration with the Office of the Wife of the Lagos State Governor to establish a specialized center for the Command’s Gender Unit, particularly focusing on combating sexual and gender-based violence.