By Rita Enemuru, Reporting
THE Police Service Commission (PSC) has engaged police officers and community stakeholders in Delta State in a series of interactive sessions focused on human rights, professional responsibility, protection against unlawful police actions, and community-led policing.
The Delta State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police CP Yemi Oyeniyi, hosted the separate engagements for officers, community leaders, members of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), and other key stakeholders.
The sessions were facilitated by Dr. Olayinka Balogun, a PSC consultant on community policing and technical advisor on human rights violations and allied infractions. Dr. Balogun, a retired Commissioner of Police, addressed police constitutional powers, citizens’ rights during police interventions, and the urgent need to strengthen trust and co-operation between the force and the communities it serves.
During the session with officers, the PSC consultant emphasised the importance of professionalism, due process, and strict compliance with fundamental human rights standards. He also tackled the recurring issue of police involvement in civil disputes, including land and other civil matters, stressing that officers must remain within the bounds of their constitutional and statutory responsibilities.
The forum allowed officers to seek clarification on practical policing challenges and legal issues encountered in the line of duty, with detailed guidance provided by the facilitator.
Addressing the officers, CP Yemi Oyeniyi encouraged them to internalise the lessons and remain committed to lawful, professional, and people-oriented policing. He reiterated that respect for human rights, civility, accountability, and ethical conduct were essential components of modern policing and critical to sustaining public confidence in the force.
A separate interactive session was later held for community leaders, PCRC members, and other stakeholders, centring on citizens’ rights and responsibilities, police-community relations, and society’s collective role in crime prevention and public safety. Stakeholders actively raised concerns about policing and security within their communities, which were addressed through practical explanations aimed at improving public understanding of policing processes.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the engagements took place on 23rd May 2026, adding that the command remains committed to fostering a police service accountable to the people it serves.
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