The police have released tips for
motorists to abide by when approaching a security checkpoint or when
flagged-down by police officers.
In a series of tweets, the police
urged motorists to be polite when answering questions put to them by the
officers and shouldn’t dare or challenge an armed security man to a duel.
“Endeavour to slow down your
vehicle. It shows that you are not reckless. It also douses suspicion that you
are a criminal and may want to speed off,” the police tweeted.
“Turn down the volume of your car
stereo. Courtesy demands this. Besides, you are able to hear each other better.
This simple act will also help you to win the confidence of the security
operative.
“Keep your hands visible to avoid
unnecessary suspicion or fear by the officers that you are attempting to bring
out a gun or other harmful objects to attack them.
“Turn on the inner light of your
vehicle while approaching the cops (if at night). It readily sends an unspoken
message that you have nothing to hide.
“Be friendly and cheerful.
Commend the officers especially when you see them working under very unfriendly
weather conditions such as the rains, the harsh harmattan conditions, excessive
heat, cold or sunshine.
“We know it’s their job, but a
little kind word from you will do a lot of good. Remember when you smile at the
mirror, the mirror smiles back at you.
“Endeavour to be polite even when
answering questions put to you by the officers. Don’t dare or challenge an
armed security man to a duel.”
Oftentimes, according to the
police, people are heard saying things like ‘shoot me, if you can!’ This, the
police said is a recipe for disaster, as it is very provocative and an
unnecessary call for war.
“So, please play safe, more so,
as you do not know the state of mind of the officer concerned,” the police
added.
To be on the safer side, the
police asked motorists not to give the impression that they are unhappy to see
an officer on his beat or that he is wasting their time.
But if they have an emergency,
they should politely inform the officer and shouldn’t speed off while still
being checked.
It added that name tags, force or
service numbers, personal description, description of weapons or patrol vehicle
of the security officer especially where the officers begin to conduct
themselves in unprofessional manner should be noted.
‘YOU ARE APPROVING INEPTITUDE
FROM YOUR MEN’
Some Twitter users are not in
agreement with these tips as they believe the police still have a lot of work
to do on its men.
“All I see is you guys approving
ineptitude from your men. These ain’t applicable policies,” a Twitter user
wrote.
Another user wrote; “So it’s okay
to shoot an unarmed civilian because he dared you to shoot? How does this even
make sense? I’ve been to saner clans, live in one now, the police talks
politely to you and even calms you down when you’re agitated or angry, Nigerian
police tells you they will shoot you.”
Another user thanked the police
for “lacking the capacity to train its personnel to conduct themselves
professionally and also bring erring officer(s) to book when they go against
the rule of engagement.”
The police have always come under heavy criticism following
how its officers, especially those attached to the special anti-robbery squad
(SARS), harass and kill citizens.
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That statement is lame. Should the any policeman dare to threaten any civilian, even a criminal with shooting. As far as i know if a criminal in the process of been arrested does not constitute a danger and do not intend to harm the police in a bid to escape justice, then no police man have moral justification to shoot anyone
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