The Police Force Headquarters said on Wednesday that it had begun a four-day capacity building training to equip police public relations officers.
The force said in a statement issued by CSP. Frank Mba, its spokesman, in Abuja that the training had commenced in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.
It said that the participants would be equipped with requisite professional skills for managing the image of the force.
The statement stressed the need for effective management of the corporate image of the force in the face of rising extremism, criminality and terror in the country.
It said that public relations personnel from the military, para-military and other sister security agencies were also participating in the training.
“The workshop is strategically designed to cover training in media relations, crisis communications and issues management as well as media and police public relations.
“It will also look into perception, image and brand management in government agencies and terrorism in democracy and communications.
“The participation of other security agencies is a manifestation of the resolve of the present police management to strengthen inter-agency collaboration in the fight against crime and criminality in the country,” the statement said.
It said the event, jointly organised by the Nigeria Police and the Government of Akwa-Ibom, was being facilitated by PRM Africa, a foremost public relations and brand communications firm, with support from some private and public institutions.
The statement quoted the inspector general of police as saying that the workshop was part of the reform agenda to reposition the force for effective performance in the face of growing security concerns in the country.
It added that the introduction of capacity building for the public relations department of the force would deepen confidence and strengthen relationship with the public as well as boost the corporate image of the police.
Gov. Godswill Akpabio, who was represented by his deputy, commended the force for its commitment to the security of the country and for improving the capacity of its personnel.
Akpabio noted that the workshop would impact positively on efficient service delivery of the force.
