Develop public trust to enhance community policing – Security analyst tells IGP

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the Africa Centre for Security, Paul Boateng has appealed to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to do more in maximising public trust in the activities of the Ghana Police Service to enhance community policing.

The security analyst said that can be achieved if the police involve the people in the community in executing their law enforcement duties.

He believed that if the police educate the people in the community on security matters, it will encourage them (people) to assist in crime combating.

In obtaining public safety, peace, and crime combat, Boateng stated that public trust in community policing is very crucial.

He said bad relationships between the public and the police will make policing in the community difficult, which can lead to social disorders like murder, stealing, and drug trafficking among others.

Paul Boateng was speaking on Otec FM’s morning show ‘Nyansapo’ hosted by Captain Koda, on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, on the fight against crime in the country.

“Without the support and cooperation of the people in the community, policing will be difficult for the police in executing their duties to maintain law and order. That is why it is imperative in educating the people on the activities of the police,” he said.

“If the people have trust in the police, they are ready to give information on criminal activities in the areas to the people without hesitation, for the assurance that they (people) will not be betrayed by the police,” he added.

He also advised the public not to entertain any person who might want to breach the peace and stability in the community, but rather report the person’s doubtful behavior to the police for the necessary actions to be taken.