Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, on Friday called for cooperation and collaboration of citizens and security agencies for the success of community policing in Nigeria.

Community policing was introduced in the country by former President Olusegun Obasanjo on April 27, 2004.

Idris made the call at the launch of Community Policing Re-engagement Strategic Guidelines and unveiling of community policing logo in Abuja.

He said the pilot phase of the programme was aimed at establishing a clear departure from traditional policing that was reactive and incident-based.

“It is on this premise that the Nigeria Police Force made the decision to review and develop a more inclusive strategic guidelines,“he said.

He said the launch of community policing would create a better interactive relationship that would lead to improved support and cooperation from the various stakeholders, saying the programme would build sustainable partnerships with local communities, authorities and security agencies, among others.

Idris said the programme would work with the various community police interactive platforms currently being employed by the police.

“These platforms allow opinion leaders from communities to collaborate with the police and contribute to issues relating to the police and policing in their communities.

“We believe that proactive approach to policing will assist to reduce crime and anti-social behavour,“he said.

He said a seven-man community policing management committee would be set up to work with his office and the police management team to monitor the programme.

National President of Police Community Relations Committee,PCRC, Faruk Maiyama said the launch of the programme would ease the work of policemen.

He called for a close working relationship between the committee and the office of the Force Public Relations Officer.

Maiyama commended Idris and his management team for refocusing community policing in the country.

In attendance were the representatives of the Chief of Naval Staff, Air Chief of Staff, UK High Commission and Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), among others.

The high point of the occasion was the unveiling of the community policing logo by the Inspector-General of Police.