The Inspector-General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris, has warned Commissioners of Police in various commands to handle criminal cases diligently and conduct themselves professionally.

Mr Idris, who gave the warning while addressing top senior police officers during a conference at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, said that any act of misconduct could throw them out of the force.

“I expect the highest standard from you, don’t let anybody buy your conscience. Hold your own, I want you to be very professional”, the IGP said in a statement issued by the Force spokesman Jimoh Moshood.

He stated that the Federal Government was ready to address the challenges facing the Police Force and urged the personnel to change the public perception of the police and live up to expectation.

Bail Is Free

The police boss further asked them to be very civil in relating with members of the public and respect their socio-cultural values, as well as ordered them to embrace the ‘change begins with me’ slogan and ensure that no money was collected from members of the public for bail.

“As you are all aware, bail is free; always sensitise officers and men in your commands on this. Anyone caught in this act will be dismissed from service. The law as we know is blind, we represent the most visible arm of justice and we must use that power prudently. However, we must embrace change as the only permanent fixture in life”.

The Mr Idris warned that any senior policeman found engaged in any form of corrupt practices would be punished accordingly, stressing that the era of bribery and corrupt practices in the police circle was over.

He reiterated that any senior police officer found to be engaged in corrupt practices would face the full wrath of the law and would be sanctioned appropriately.

The IGP also cautioned against illegal investigation of cases, unlawful detention of suspects and prolonged detention, urging personnel to always respect human rights in the course of conducting investigations.