Ensuring Excellence: The Importance of Continuous Legal Education for Police Officers By Etaba Agbor, Esq.
In the world of law enforcement, staying informed and updated is not just a choice; it’s a necessity. The Nigerian police, like every other law enforcement agency, requires constant training and continuous legal education to keep up with emerging legal trends in society. The Nigerian Police Force was established by section 214 of the 1999 Constitution as amended. The section provides that ‘there shall be a Police Force for Nigeria, which shall be known as the Nigeria Police Force, and subject to the provision of this section no other Police Force shall be established for the Federation or any part thereof’.
Section 3 of the Police Act, 2020 also provides: 3. -(1) There is established for Nigeria the Nigeria Police Force (in this Act referred to as “the Police Force”) which shall, subject to the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
(a) be organized and administered in accordance with the provisions of this Act; and
(b) have such powers and duties and carry out such responsibilities as are conferred on it under this Act or any other law.
The duties of the Nigerian Police Force are clearly spelled out under the Police Act. Sections 4 and 5 of the Act provide:
4. The Police Force shall—
a. prevent and detect crimes, and protect the rights and freedom of every person in Nigeria as provided in the Constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights, and any other law;
b. maintain public safety, law and order;
c. protect the lives and property of all persons in Nigeria;
d. enforce all laws and regulations without any prejudice to the enabling Acts of other security agencies ;
e. discharge such duties within and outside Nigeria as may be required of it under this Act or any other law;
f. collaborate with other agencies to take any necessary action and provide the required assistance or support to persons in distress, including victims of road accidents, fire disasters, earthquakes, and floods;
g. facilitate the free passage and movement on highways, roads, and streets open to the public;
h. adopt community partnership in the discharge of its responsibilities under this Act or under any other law; and
i. Vet and approve the registration of private detective schools and private investigative outfits.
5.—(1) The Police Force is responsible for promoting and protecting the fundamental rights of persons in police custody as guaranteed by the Constitution.
(2) For the purpose of subsection (1), the Police Force shall collaborate with and maintain close working relationships with any government agency or relevant private initiatives in the establishment of schemes or mechanisms offering legal services to accused persons, detainees, or accused persons in police custody in need of legal services to ensure that they have full access to justice as laid down under the relevant provisions of Chapter IV of the Constitution.
(3) In addition to the provisions of subsections (1) and (2), the Police Force is also charged with the responsibility for promoting and protecting the fundamental rights of all persons as guaranteed under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act and other international legal instruments on human rights to which Nigeria is a signatory.
Policing is an ever-evolving field, with laws, regulations, and legal procedures constantly changing. To maintain the highest standards of professionalism and effectiveness, continuous legal education for police officers is not an option; it’s a crucial requirement.
Here are some compelling reasons why continuous legal education for our dedicated police officers is essential:
1. Staying Informed: Laws are not static; they evolve to meet the needs of a changing society. To demonstrate this, the Police Act which makes extensive provisions on the powers of the police was recently amended. Continuous legal education ensures that officers remain informed about the latest legal developments, from changes in criminal codes to new court rulings. This knowledge empowers them to make informed decisions and carry out their duties with precision.
2. Upholding Justice: One of the fundamental principles of policing is to uphold justice. Continuous legal education is the bedrock of ensuring that officers understand and adhere to legal and ethical standards. It equips them with the knowledge to treat everyone fairly and respect the rights of individuals.
3. Building Trust: Public trust is essential in law enforcement. By demonstrating their commitment to legal education, police officers can inspire confidence in the community they serve. When citizens see well-informed officers who understand and respect the law, it goes a long way in building positive relationships between the police and the public.
4. Enhancing Accountability: Continuous legal education reduces the likelihood of errors and misunderstandings in legal matters. It increases accountability as officers are better equipped to make lawful and ethical decisions. This, in turn, minimizes the potential for legal disputes and misconduct.
5. Adaptation to New Challenges: As society changes, so do the challenges that police officers face. Legal education provides the tools to adapt to these new challenges, whether it’s cybercrime, changes in drug laws, or evolving social issues. Without continuous learning, we risk falling behind.
6. Legal and Ethical Decision-Making: The ability to make sound legal and ethical decisions is the hallmark of a professional police officer. Continuous legal education equips officers with the skills and knowledge to make these decisions under high-stress situations, ensuring they act within the bounds of the law.
7. Excellence in Policing: Ultimately, continuous legal education is about striving for excellence in policing. It’s about providing the best service to our communities and ensuring that our officers are the best they can be.
In conclusion, continuous legal education is not a mere formality; it’s a cornerstone of effective, accountable, and ethical policing. It’s a commitment to professionalism, to upholding the law, and to building trust. Our officers deserve the best tools and knowledge available, and the society they serve deserves nothing less. Let’s continue to invest in the ongoing legal education of our police officers, ensuring they remain at the forefront of excellence in law enforcement.
