Ozolua Uhakheme, Assistant Editor (Arts)
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) Country Representative Mr. Oliver Stolpe has described the newly launched guidelines for policing during the COVID-19 pandemic as a significant step towards achieving the goal of overcoming the scourge. The guidelines, which are tailored specifically for Nigeria, are initiatives of United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes, the Nigeria Police Force and the European Union (EU).
Speaking at the launch last Friday in Abuja he said: “We often ask our police officers to take tremendous risks on our behalf, and the COVID-19 crisis is no exception. Police officers in Nigeria are serving on the frontline in the fight against this virus and are often the first representatives of the state that the sick can turn to for help. We owe it to them to do everything in our power to enable them to go about their duties in as safe a manner as possible in such troubled times. We trust that these Guidelines will be a significant step towards achieving this goal.”
European Union Ambassador Ketil Karlsen noted that raising awareness to limit the spread of the disease is of paramount importance, adding that along with health workers, Nigerian law enforcement organisations are at the forefront of the COVID-19 response. “By supporting the publication and distribution of these new Guidelines, the EU would like to contribute to safer working conditions for Nigerian police officers,” he said.
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Inspector General of Police Mohammed Adamu commended the UNODC and the European Union for their assistance saying: “I would like to thank our international partners for working with us to prepare these Guidelines, my officers are doing a top notch job during this crisis and anything that helps them to stay safe while serving the public makes a tremendous contribution to the national effort to eradicate COVID-19.”
In line with the World Health Organization, INTERPOL and other leading international experts, these guidelines set out practical steps that officers can take to reduce their risk of infection while working to prevent the spread of this disease and to protect the public from criminal activity. 10,000 copies of the new guidelines, printed in booklet form, are being distributed to frontline officers.
By following the practical advice contained in these guidelines, especially simple steps like wearing personal protective equipment, maintaining social distancing, and frequently washing hands, it is hoped that officers will be able undertake their duties in greater confidence and safety.
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