Centralizing PR directorate of the police is one of the weakest links in Dampare's administration – Analyst
Some police officers
Security analyst Samuel Nana Appiah has criticized the current police administration, led by Inspector General of Police Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, for centralizing its Public Relations Directorate.
Appiah asserts that decentralizing the Public Relations Directorate would be a more effective communication strategy for the police.
He argued that centralizing communication could lead to misinformation and the spread of false news regarding cases. He shared these thoughts during an interview on 'Frontline' on Rainbow Radio 87.5 FM.
He explained that this centralization is one of the reasons why critics have consistently questioned the IGP's leadership style.
"These are some of the issues that cause people to question and criticize the leadership style of the IGP.
"The Police Administration had decided to decentralize its communication. Ideally, there should be a regional PRO for the police, and ideally, this should extend to the divisional and district levels to ensure smooth communication flow.
"From my professional experience as a security analyst, I would not have objected to centralization at the regional level.
"However, the centralized form of PR currently employed by the police raises many concerns. I disagree with their approach," he said.
He continued, "For instance, if an incident occurs in Tamale, Takoradi, or Sunyani, and the Sunyani Police Commander cannot speak to it or issue a statement to confirm or deny it, by the time the police headquarters issues a statement, rumours, misinformation, and speculation will have already spread among the public, which negatively impacts effective policing.
"Communication is one of the proactive measures that facilitate education and information dissemination within the police force, ensuring stability.
"I must be candid and say that the centralized system of communication in the police force today is one of their weakest links, and the IGP must reconsider it. Centralizing communication is not in the best interest of the police," he told host Kwabena Agyapong.
