The newly deployed Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Etaifo Erale, has vowed to enforce strict compliance with Police Rules and Regulations, professional ethics and Public Service Rules, declaring zero tolerance for corruption, extortion and other forms of misconduct in the Command.
Erale, who made the declaration in Asaba during his inaugural press briefing as the 25th Commissioner of Police in the state, said discipline and professionalism would form the foundation of his administration.
He stressed that officers and men of the Command must operate within the ambit of the law, respect human rights and uphold the highest standards of professional conduct in the discharge of their duties.
The CP also promised to reward officers who demonstrate integrity, professionalism and exceptional commitment to duty, saying discipline must be matched with recognition of exemplary service.
Erale said the safety of lives and property remained the Command’s foremost priority, assuring residents and visitors that the police would do everything within the law to ensure that they feel safe in their homes, workplaces, communities and places of interest.
“I am fully aware of the responsibility that comes with this office; hence, the safety of lives and property in Delta State is our priority, and I am committed to doing everything within the law to ensure that residents and visitors to the state feel safe in their homes, workplaces, communities and places of interest”, Erale stated
According to him, Delta State, being one of Nigeria’s economic hubs and a strategically important state in the Niger Delta, requires a strong and effective security architecture capable of supporting economic growth, development and stability.
The Commissioner unveiled a six-point agenda for the Command, comprising discipline, community policing, improved synergy with sister security agencies, effective crime fighting, restoration of public confidence and the rebooting of crime-fighting methodology.
On community policing, Erale said the Command would strengthen partnerships with traditional rulers, community leaders, youth organisations, women’s groups, religious bodies and other stakeholders.
He said the initiative would promote community-based intelligence gathering and encourage residents to promptly report suspicious activities to the police.
The CP also pledged to strengthen operational cooperation with other security agencies through joint operations, intelligence sharing, coordinated patrols and rapid response to emerging threats.
On crime fighting, Erale said the Command would adopt a proactive and intelligence-led approach to prevent crime before it occurs.
He vowed to intensify operations against kidnapping, cultism, armed robbery, cybercrime, violent crimes, oil-related crimes and other emerging security threats in the state.
He added that police personnel and resources would be strategically deployed based on crime trends and identified hotspots.
Erale said rebuilding public confidence in the police would also receive priority, stressing that citizens must be treated with dignity and respect irrespective of their status.
He promised to improve police visibility and responsiveness, while strengthening a policing culture that makes members of the public see the police as partners in security rather than merely an enforcement institution.
The Commissioner further announced plans to “reboot” the Command’s crime-fighting methodology through a comprehensive review of existing operational strategies.
He said the Command would determine what was working, what was not and what needed to change, with greater emphasis on proactive, intelligence-driven and technology-enabled crime prevention.
Erale disclosed that measurable performance indicators would be established for tactical teams, while their activities and operations would be restructured where necessary.
He said the Command would also adapt continuously to emerging crime patterns through data analysis, intelligence assessment, technology and regular training.
The Commissioner acknowledged the efforts of his predecessor, CP Yemi John Oyeniyi, and the management team, saying his administration would build on the gains already recorded while confronting emerging threats with renewed energy and clarity.
He appealed to residents of the state to support the police by providing useful, timely and credible information, stressing that public cooperation was crucial to the success of the Command’s security efforts.
“If you see something, say something,” he urged.
Erale also assured members of the media of a frank and professional working relationship, acknowledging their important role in informing the public.
Addressing officers and men of the Command, the Commissioner said the expectations under his leadership were clear, urging them to align with the mission and key agenda of the Command
