By Ebinum Samuel
A Security Expert has unveiled, commended the policing methodology adopted by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Ahmed.A Lateef. This uncommon, proactive and innovative style of investigation by Lateef and his officers, been discovered by a frontline security expert, Otunba Gbenga Fanwo. Like the dictum which says that a golden fish has no hiding place, the activities of the personal of SCID in the past 12 months, according to Fanwo, is not only a paradigm shift from hitherto “crude and heartless” form of policing to a proactive and reformative one, but has
reposed people’s confidence on the police. ” My take on the events of the past one year in SCID, Yaba, has given me 85 percent of assurance that policing in Nigeria is gradually taking us to international standards. Those who were in Lagos in the days of Panti street knows what I’m talking about”” A research I carried out recently revealed that thorough-bred detectives trained and retrained in human relations, inquisitiveness, communication skills, problem solving, learning and growing, critical thinking and working well with others have become a norm to these detectives.
This is due to consistent lectures, seminars and workshops by Lateef in congunction with relevant authorities such as EFCC and the International Professional Security, IPS”. This, the expert said, has has positive result on detectives serving in this place. Fanwo, in his research, disclosed that over 2,0000 suspected persons charged to various courts in this past one year have equally helped to decongested the cells at SCID. “The usual crowd that was associated with SCID headquarters over the years is now a thing of the past as minor cases are given speedy investigation with detectives charging suspects to court without delay”.
Fanwo extolled DCP Lateef and his officers for their human rights record. ” Suspects are no longer kept more than necessary. Everyone is given fair hearing by detectives who listen to all sides” he said.Commending the police boss on the politeness of his personnel at the sentry ( gate), the security expert disclosed that from the personnel at the gate, visitors, suspects and complainaints to the headquarters of SCID on Musuliu Smith street, would have be in the know of the presence of well-behave detectives here. Fanwo, while giving kudos to Lateef he described as bookworm, said the regular assessment of detectives skills and competencies by the police chief, is a plus for their growth and learning .