FINDINGS
The discussion that follows analyzes some of the relevant information obtained from the
respondents. The present study has examined the welfare condition of police personnel in
Nigeria by conducting in-depth interviews among the men and officers of the Nigeria Police
Force in a Southwestern State of Nigeria to best capture firsthand information on some of the
issues affecting policing in Nigeria. Face-to-face, in person interviews were conducted with
the police men and officers who agreed to participate in the study. This method was
choosing because the participants cannot be directly observed due to the nature of their job
and as a result, this method enabled the participants to provide historical information needed
for this research, while also allowing this researcher to control the line of questioning
(Creswell, 2009).The findings of the current study have shed light on the state of policing in
Nigeria and as well as the conditions that men and officers of the agency operate. The fact
that police performance with regards to its primary functions of crime prevention, detection,
control and law enforcement has been deteriorating was clearly highlighted by the study.
Most of the police men and officers interviewed indicated that the conditions of service in the
police were better in the earlier days of their career. It was noted that they worked for eight
hours in a day, had sufficient time to rest and relate with their families at home. Anytime they
went for special duties, allowances were paid. Most of the respondents who have spent longer
years in the police argued that the police as an agency has since changed for worse compared
to when they first started working. Majority of the respondents agreed that the general
conditions of service in the police are poor and this situation inhibits effective performance.
The respondents noted that the conditions of service in the Nigeria Police Force is not
encouraging compared to other sectors.
The respondents stated noted that policemen now work for longer hours while promotion is
no longer encouraging. They spend as much as nine years on a rank before they are
considered for promotion. Previously, a commissioner of police was given power to promote
up to the rank of sergeant but now it is no longer possible as all promotions have been
concentrated with the Inspector General of Police.
It was the agreement of the majority of the participants that in the area of remunerations,
police salary is still considered as meagre despite the recent salary increment. According to
the respondents this has been responsible for the police extortion of the public particularly
commercial drivers because they have to feed their families. This situation which should be
condemned in all ramifications has now become a daily occurrence as policemen can be seen
collecting money on the road unashamedly.
The respondents believed that police duties include protection of life and property, prevention
and detection of crime. However, they argued that the police have not been able to perform
the duties effectively because they lack the necessary equipment, they do not have modern
weaponry, poor remuneration and insufficient manpower. Most respondents further noted
that the police men and officers themselves fuel the police vehicle from their own income- a
situation which has encourage corruption among police personnel. The respondents
unanimously agreed that most police commands lack sufficient walkie-talkie to contact the
nearest police man or police station in case of emergency and further noted that police
training and methods are adequate and that they can effectively fight the war against crime if
they are sufficiently equipped.