As security agencies battle rising crime in the country, members of the fourth estate of the realm were also, urged to collaborate with the police in reshaping the society.
The Divisional Police officer (DPO) in-charge of Mile one police in the Port Harcourt Metropolis, Paddy Ogon made the call on March 18 when he received the Executive members of the Rivers NUJ Correspondents Chapel in his office.
Ogon who was police image maker for four years in Lagos before his posting to other commands, said , for the press to help the police in crime detection, prevention and fighting, it should criticize constructively while enlightening the society.
‘’ The police has never won a case in the court of public opinion because of negative perception of the police and their statutory role by members of the public in spite of enormous challenges members of the force face daily in the discharge of these duties’’, he said .
‘’People don’t obey the laws because the society permits lawlessness, People take delight in breaking the laws because the system allows the to go free and this is why we are currently in a state of anomie’’, he said.
He cited an example with the persistent displaying of wares by traders along the major road and streets around the Mile one market in the city which blocks traffic blurred views of motorists and threaten both the lives of the traders and other innocent citizens, adding that the stubbornness of these traders is one of the challenges facing his Station.
Expressing delight at re-linking with members of the press with whom he had struck friendship over the years, the former Police image maker appealed for their commitment to collaborate with the police.
Earlier, the chairman of the Rivers Correspondents Chapel, Sir Ernest Chinwo had commended Ogon for bringing humility and understanding of human society in the discharge of his police duties as he had exhibited in several public occasions.
‘’Your uncanny ability to mix well with ordinary people and appreciate their sensibilities and levels of perception , is the secrete of your meritorious service in the force’’, Chnwo said ,explaining that , that was the reason the Chapel through the courtesy visit sought to rekindle its relationship with the former image maker.