The Lagos State Police Command has reaffirmed its dedication to people-centered policing and improved service delivery.

The command emphasises that genuine community partnership remains the cornerstone of effective crime prevention and public trust.

The Commissioner of Police, CP, Olohundare Jimoh, made this known during an interactive stakeholders’ meeting, as part of activities marking the 2025 Customer Service Week, themed: “Mission Possible” at POWA hall, Ikeja.

The meeting brought together members of the Police Community Relations Committee, traditional rulers, community leaders, and other stakeholders across the State.

Speaking at the event, CP Jimoh described the Customer Service Week as a globally recognised initiative adopted by the Federal Government to enhance the relationship between service providers and the public.

Jimoh explained that under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun, the Nigeria Police Force had embraced the observance as a strategic avenue to strengthen public confidence and promote mutual understanding between citizens and law enforcement officers.

He said the engagement was aimed at fostering closer relationships with the police and the public.

Highlighting the Command’s community-focused initiatives, the Commissioner noted that the week-long celebration featured activities such as a medical outreach for residents, reiterating that policing is ultimately about service to humanity.

Community policing means placing the people at the center of policing priorities, Jimoh stated it is not enough for police officers to draw up plans in isolation.

The public are our mirror because every organisation that ensures security must put the people at the centre of its operations,” he said.

According to him, effective policing begins with understanding the priorities of the people.

In his words, many incidents the police respond to may not immediately be a criminal matter but can escalate into a serious crime if neglected.

He urged residents to view the police as partners in peace-building rather than adversaries, emphasising that anyone who called the police during a dispute was a peacemaker.

Acknowledging public concerns over police conduct, Jimoh assured that the command remains open to feedback and committed to continuous improvement in line with the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun’s reform agenda.

While responding to questions from stakeholders, the police boss urged the public not to pay for bail, stressing that bail was free.

Report any officer who demands payment for bail to me directly or to the command. Services rendered by the police remain free, extortion in any form will not be tolerated.

According to him, they must listen to the community, understand their challenges, and work with them to find lasting solutions.

In November, we will be printing stickers and banners that will be displayed in all police stations with the bold inscription ‘Bail is Free,” he said.

Speaking with journalists at the end of the event, Jimoh said that the celebration had provided an opportunity to assess performance, receive feedback, and chart a new phase of policing that prioritised partnership and trust.

He noted that the command had received several observations and recommendations from stakeholders, many of which had been adopted for implementation.

It was a huge success for us in the command. We are now entering a new phase of engagement, not just waiting for people to come to us, but going to them to strengthen cooperation.

Looking beyond Customer Service Week, he assured residents of more friendly interactions with officers and a proactive approach to resolving non-criminal disputes before they escalate.

The public should expect more friendship, more empathy, and more community-driven interventions.

We are encouraging officers to engage the public with a human face,” he said.

Jimoh urged residents to continue partnering with the police in maintaining peace and security across the state.

He further explained that many domestic disputes and conflicts addressed by the police are not always criminal but require early intervention to prevent escalation.

Jimoh assured Lagos residents of enhanced safety measures as the festive season approaches, adding that security operations had been strengthened to address the peculiarities of the ember months.

He said Lagosians should sleep with their two eyes closed, assuring that the  Command had reinforced patrol operations and adopted proactive strategies to prevent crimes across the state.

The Commissioner also commended the officers of the Command for their professionalism and discipline, noting that any cases of misconduct are being decisively handled to maintain public confidence in the Force.

In their remarks, participants including PCRC members, traditional rulers, and community leaders applauded the Command for its progress in curbing crimes such as robbery, cultism, and thuggery.

They, however, urged the police to intensify efforts in tackling one chance robberies and the growing problem of drug abuse among youths, pledging their continued collaboration through information sharing and community sensitisation.