- says Lagosians can now identify erring officers
In line with the State Government’s resolve to achieve a safe, serene, and cleaner environment free from traffic infractions with maximum degree of civility and professionalism, the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offenses (Enforcement) Unit, Taskforce has launched rebranded Tactical Jackets for easy identification of Officers, men and paramilitary officers attached to the Agency.
The new branded jacket which comes with identification numbers became necessary for easy identification of men and officers during traffic enforcement for compliance activities in view of growing impersonation of the Unit’s officers by impostors who are dragging the good name of the Agency in the mud.
The Chairman of the agency CSP Shola Jejeloye, who disclosed this to the media in his office at the Agency’s Headquarters, Safety Arena,Bolade, Oshodi, said that the branded Tactical Jacket with unique identification numbers is designed to put an end to attempts by criminals to dent the reputation and integrity of the agency and curb the incessant use of the Agency’s name to defraud innocent and unsuspecting members of the public of their hard earned money.
According to the Chairman, the Jacket will be issued to all officers embarking on traffic enforcement exercise as part of their dress code to differentiate between them and other security agents who are not attached to the Agency or impostors using the Unit’s name to outsmart members of the public.
“Traffic enforcement activities is a major cause of indiscipline and corruption amongst security agents which many impersonators have taken advantage for shady dealings and sharp practices”, Jejeloye stated.
CSP Jejeloye further said that the Agency has received quite a number of calls and complaints via our social media handles of impostors who carry out nefarious activities and extort innocent citizens of their hard earned money. This tactical jacket and the unique identification numbers inscribed on it will help put a stop to these illegal acts.
Jejeloye further stated that the rebranded jacket will also help in no small way to curb indiscipline amongst officers and men. He stated that only men and officers who had proven to be worthy representatives of their professional calling would be issued the jacket for use during traffic enforcement operations, while the bad eggs if there are any at all, would show the way out of the Agency”.
“Charity, they say begins at home. The way we fish out impostors on the outside is the same way we are going to use this opportunity to identify bad eggs amongst us.
He said that as an agency of the State Government that has its foundation rooted in disciplined and dedication, we have made conscious efforts in ensuring that any police officer who is found wanting in the discharge of his official duties is disciplined according to the tenets of the Nigeria Police Force through the State Command, while the paramilitary officers will face disciplinary actions based on rules of their engagement through the Civil Service procedures”.
Jejeloye also hinted that the call signs on Taskforce vehicles is to further identify officers and team members who may be accused of highhandedness after they exit the scene of operation. All these are necessary precautionary steps aimed at ensuring that discipline is entrenched and maintained in the system.
CSP Jejeloye enjoined members of the public to take advantage of this identification number in order to foster accountability and transparency on the field. The unique numbers would aid investigations into corrupt practices and ensure that they are thoroughly investigated and if found guilty, such officers would be brought to book.