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Assessment of public relations strategies adopted by the Nigerian police force for its image in Nasarawa state and FCT Abuja

Abstract

This study assessment of Public Relations Strategies Adopted by the Nigerian Police Force for its Image in Nasarawa State and FCT (Abuja). This research work adopted the cross-sectional survey research design. The population of the study comprise the police public relations departments and police community relations committees in Nasarawa and FCT (Abuja). The population of police public relations departments and police community relations committees in Nasarawa state is 147 officers and civilians (Source: police admin department Nasarawa state and FCT headquarters. The sample size of this study was calculated at 397 using census method. The research instruments to be used in this study are interview and questionnaire. The study adopted a method of checking the validity, reliability and consistency of the instrument and questions by conducting a pilot study to ensure that the instrument achieves the intended purpose. The method of data collection to be used in this study is through face- to -face distribution of the research data gathering instruments. In analyzing the data, the responses tallied and arranged into frequency distribution, tables, numbers, percentage and representing quantitative analysis was used where necessary while the nature was used in analysing information concerning the study. It was found that Feature articles/news reports in newspapers and magazines, Television programmes can launder police image, Community relations launders police image, Public relations launder’ Nigeria police bad image, via all the above activities. Lack of well trained and experienced personnel, lack of proper orientation is a challenge, lack of supervision of Personnel, lack of good Community relations, Poor Media relations/publicity, and inadequate funding. Based on the findings and conclusion, the study recommends that: adequate funding and correction of institutional inadequacies should be given due attention; empowering the populace to perform oversight functions must not be abused however so that the police will not again be subjected to intimidation; training, re-orientation and sustained disciplinary actions for erring officers; Improved relationship with the public Community Relations.