An Examination of the Image Concept of the Nigerian Police: A Survey of Selected Police Stations in Enugu State

Abstract

This study examined the image concept of the Nigerian Police Force through selected Police stations in Enugu State. Opinion poll earlier carried out showed that the image of the Police Force has some dents. These dents have to be cleaned using public relations approach. To go about this therefore, the study identified the main problem to be the stained image of the Nigerian Police Force. The study looked at the police public image and investigated the relationship that exists between the police and its publics. Survey and documentary methods were used by which observations, interviews and questionnaires were tools employed for data and information generation. Questionnaires were designed for administered to both the police and the public’s. Observations and Interviews provided information gathered from the questionnaire were used for quantitative analysis. Two hypotheses were tested using correlation analysis. \ Findings from the hypotheses tested showed a consensus between the police and the public that there is uncordial relationship existing between the two, but their opinions differ as in who is reasonable for the stained relationship. While majority of the policemen said that publics are responsible, the majority of the publics said that it was the police with the Government coming second in the two cases. Some of the causes of this unhealthy relations were widespread bribery and corruption in the force, forceful confrontation of the police with the public’s, victimization/intimidation of innocent citizens, mistrust of the police by the public, preconceived mind of the police on the government’s inability or unpreparedness to better the condition of their service, the public therefore, because of the above, tends to overemphasize police shortcomings and overlook their achievements. The study revealed that the police personal traits as well as the environment in which they work are factors responsible for their inadequate or poor performance. Findings from the responses given and views expressed showed that some of the police problems and the attitudes are as a result of low level of education, training and orientation, poor salary and non-payment of allowances and other fringe benefits as and when due, lack of motivation and promotion among others. Finally few recommendations were made on how to restore public confidence on the police force and breed cordial relationship between the police and its various publics for their mutual existence and cooperation.