University of Jos

Faculty of social sciences

Criminology and security studies

Wallat precious Christopher

Uj/2018/ss/0254

Internship report

Css320

‘A’ division police station

Station supervisor
DPO.Simone obinna ESQ

SCHOOL SUPERVISOR
DR. SAHARMIAT KANKEMWA KUMSA

14th August 2023.

 Introduction

I had the opportunity to work with the ‘A’division police station during my internship were I
was to serve for 6weeks and I was to work hand in hand with the police officer to understand
the scope and nature of the police force, the police force is headed by the:

The president of the federal republic of Nigeria

Inspector general of police

Deputy inspector general of police

Commissioner of police

Deputy commissioner of police

Assistant commissioner of Police

Chief superintendent of police (Divisional police officer DPO)

During my internship I was involved in various tasks such as investigating cases, visiting
crime scenes, listening to cases, writing and filling the various documents and files in the police
station , I also had the opportunity to interview suspects. We had the opportunity to have
lectures with the police public relations officers (PPRO), the officer in-charge Narcotics and anti-
cybercrime (OC Narcotics), the Divisional crime officer 2 (DCO2) about the in-depth nature of
the police work, police reform, how the police has revolved over time and strategies used in the
police force. This hands-on experience allowed me to develop a strong understanding of target
audience analysis and effective communication strategies. Additionally, I collaborated with team
members on a major investigations, where I was responsible for writing statements and analyzing
suspects . Overall, my internship provided valuable insights into the police force and enhanced my
skills in areas like investigation, crime scene analyzation e.t.c . I also learnt that except for murder
cases a suspect is not supposed to be detained for more than 48hrs. I had the opportunity to learn
some of the police language like
• Bail is free if you know your way
• Police is your friend if you put a smile on their face
• Don’t be in a haste to bring me out and when you bring me out, don’t put me back in shame
 History of the Nigerian police force

The police is the organized civil force of a state, concerned with maintenance of law and order, the
detection and prevention of crime, etc.The Nigerian Police Force, also known as NPF, is the principal
law enforcement agency in Nigeria. It was established in 1820 and has undergone various
transformations over the years.During the colonial era, the Nigerian Police Force was primarily
responsible for maintaining law and order in the country, protecting British interests, and enforcing
colonial laws. After Nigeria gained independence in 1960, the police force continued its role in
maintaining internal security and law enforcement.Over time, the Nigerian Police Force has faced
both praise and criticism. It has been commended for its efforts in preventing and solving crimes, but
it has also been criticized for corruption, human rights abuses, and inefficiency.In recent years, there
have been several reforms and initiatives aimed at improving the Nigerian Police Force. These
include training programs, recruitment drives, and efforts to enhance professionalism and
accountability within the force.Today, the Nigerian Police Force is responsible for maintaining public
safety and order, preventing and investigating crimes, apprehending offenders, and providing
support to other law enforcement agencies. It plays a crucial role in ensuring the security of the
Nigerian people and upholding the rule of law in the country. The Nigerian Police Force also
conducts various community engagement initiatives to build trust and collaboration with the public.
These include neighborhood watch programs, town hall meetings, and outreach activities aimed at
educating communities about crime prevention and safety measures.
In recent years, there have been calls for police reform in Nigeria to address issues such as
corruption, brutality, and human rights abuses within the force. Efforts to reform the Nigerian Police
Force have gained momentum, with the government implementing measures to improve
accountability and professionalism.Some of these measures include the establishment of a Police
Service Commission to oversee recruitment, promotions, and discipline within the force. There have
also been initiatives to improve the welfare and working conditions of police officers, such as
providing better training, equipment, and resources.Additionally, there have been efforts to enhance
the use of technology in policing, including the implementation of a centralized database for criminal
records and the adoption of body-worn cameras by some police units. These technological
advancements aim to provide transparency, enhance evidence collection, and improve policing
practices.
Overall, the Nigerian Police Force continues to evolve and adapt to the growing security challenges
in the country. With ongoing efforts to reform and improve the force, it is hoped that the Nigerian
Police will become an even more effective and trusted institution in promoting public safety and
maintaining law and order.

Powers of the Nigerian Police force

The Nigerian Police Force has various powers and responsibilities, including:
1. Law enforcement: The primary role of the police is to enforce laws and maintain public order.
They have the power to arrest and detain individuals suspected of committing crimes.

2. Investigation: The police are responsible for investigating crimes and gathering evidence. They
have the authority to search crime scenes, question suspects, and collect information to aid in the
investigation process.

3. Traffic control: The police are responsible for regulating traffic and ensuring road safety. They
have the power to issue traffic tickets, direct traffic flow, and investigate accidents.

4. Crowd control: During public events or protests, the police have the power to maintain crowd
control and ensure public safety. They can disperse crowds, make arrests if necessary, and protect
people and property.
5. Prevention and crime intelligence: The police force has the responsibility to prevent crime
through proactive measures such as patrols, surveillance, and intelligence gathering. They work to
identify potential criminal activities and take necessary actions to prevent them.

It's important to note that these powers come with a responsibility to uphold human rights and act
within the law. The police force should operate with fairness, transparency, and accountability to
ensure public trust.

Functions of the Nigerian police

1. The prevention of crime

2. Protection of lives and properties
3. Arrest offenders
4. Detention of crime
5. Maintain Order in the society
6. Right to search properties, buildings and individuals
7. Prosecution of suspects is one of the Functions of the Nigeria Police Force

A police station typically has various other areas and functions. These may include:

1. Reception: The reception area is where members of the public can report crimes, seek assistance,
or make general inquiries. It is usually staffed by civilian employees who can provide information or
direct people to the appropriate department.

2. Cells: Police stations have holding cells to temporarily detain suspects before they are formally
charged or released. These cells are secure and monitored to ensure the safety and security of both
the detainees and the officers.

3. Interview rooms: Interview rooms are used for conducting formal interviews and interrogations
with suspects, victims, or witnesses. They are designed to be neutral and private to encourage open
and honest communication.

4. Offices: Police officers and administrative staff have their offices within the station. These offices
serve as workspaces for tasks such as paperwork, case management, and other administrative
duties.

5. Forensic laboratories: Some larger police stations may also have forensic laboratories where
evidence collected from crime scenes can be analyzed and processed. This can include DNA testing,
fingerprint analysis, and other scientific methods to assist investigations.

6. Evidence storage: Police stations have secure areas designated for the storage and preservation of
evidence. This ensures that evidence remains intact and can be easily accessed if required for court
proceedings.

7. Training facilities: Many police stations have training rooms or simulation areas where officers
receive ongoing training and skill development. This can include firearms training, defensive tactics,
and scenario-based exercises to enhance their abilities.
Overall, a police station is a hub of activity where various police procedures and operations take
place to ensure the safety and security of the community.

A typical routine at a police station may include the following activities:

1. Roll Call: Officers gather for a briefing, where they discuss important information and assignments
for the day.
2. Patrol Duty: Officers are assigned to patrol specific areas or respond to calls for service. This
involves monitoring the community for crime, conducting traffic stops, and addressing any incidents
that occur.

3. Investigations: Detectives work on ongoing cases, follow up on leads, interview witnesses, and
gather evidence.

4. Paperwork and Documentation: Officers complete reports and paperwork related to incidents,
arrests, and investigations.

5. Meetings and Training: Police stations often conduct regular meetings to discuss departmental
updates, ongoing investigations, and training sessions to enhance skills and stay up-to-date with
legal procedures.

6. Community Engagement: Officers may participate in community outreach programs, meetings

with community leaders, and events to foster positive relations with the public

7.Roll call of cell mates or suspect: Every morning, it is important to take roll call of all the suspects
in cell. This is to ensure that there isn’t one suspect who is sick and is not well taken care of and to
ensure that non of the suspects have escaped.

Part of my Academic assignment and requirement I was posted to the A divisional police station
plateau state Nigeria, which is headed by the Divisional police officer ( The chief superintendent of
police) Mr Obinna Simone ESQ, and the station is divided into 8 departments.
1. The charge room office: the charge room office is the first office in the police station, it is
locally called a counter. This charge room is an information desk where information is being
received, verified before transferred to the appropriate department in the station. It is
headed by the charge room officer then the writer 1, writer 2, Base officer, cell Guard and the
Available.
2. The divisional crime office: the divisional crime office is the crime department which is head
by the DCO 1 (divisional crime officer 1), DCO2, SO(station officer), IC (inspector crime), and
4 IPO’s (inspecting police officer)
3. Administration department: the administration department is headed by the administrator
officer, inspector admin, Sargent admin, typist and Dispatch. They are in charge of
controlling and documenting the affairs of the police station.
4. Divisional traffic department:the department is headed by the divisional traffic officer, the
inspector traffic and the Sargent traffic.
5. Juvenile and women center department (JWC): which is headed by the officer in charge (OC),
2 in charge (2IC), inspecting police officer (IPO). They are in charge of women and juvenile
cases.
6. Anti-Narcotics and cyber crime department: the department is headed by the OC narcotics
(officer in charge narcotics) the departments main task is on cyber crime and drug / drug
trafficking.
7. Surveillance department:the surveillance department is in charge of going for surgery,
inquiries of crime and the department is lead by the head of department (HOD).
8. Station guard(patrol of guard): they are the officers that are placed on bits at the station gate
. The consist of the station guard, inspector patrol, sergeant patrol, pilot.

Description of work done

I was posted in beats into different departments. In my first week of internship, I was posted to the
charge room, The charge room in a police station is a designated area where suspects are brought to
be formally charged with a crime. It is usually a secure and private space where the suspect's rights
are explained to them, and they may also have the opportunity to make any necessary phone calls or
contact legal representation. Additionally, paperwork and documentation related to the charges are
typically processed and completed in the charge room. it is the founder-mental place for police
work, The charge room in a police station serves several functions.

1. Firstly, it is the central location where arrested individuals are brought for processing. This
includes completing necessary paperwork, such as recording personal information and
details of the alleged offense.

2. Additionally, the charge room is responsible for conducting searches and recording any
items found on the arrested individual. This ensures that all relevant evidence is properly
documented.

3. The charge room also serves as a temporary holding area for individuals in custody before
they are transported to a detention facility or presented before a court.

4. Furthermore, it is common for the charge room to have facilities for fingerprinting and
photographing suspects. This helps in establishing their identity and maintaining an
accurate record of their arrest.

5. Certainly! In addition to the initial processing and documentation, the charge room also
serves as a hub for communication between law enforcement agencies, attorneys, and other
relevant parties involved in the legal proceedings. This allows for the coordination of
information, evidence, and any necessary investigations that may be required.
6. Furthermore, the charge room often has access to various databases and resources that help
verify the suspect's criminal record, outstanding warrants, or other relevant information
that can assist in the decision-making process regarding potential charges or release
conditions.
7. It's important to note that while the charge room plays a crucial role in the early stages of
the legal process, it ultimately falls upon the judicial system to determine the guilt or
innocence of the individual. The charge room merely acts as a starting point, ensuring that
the necessary information is obtained and providing a foundation for the subsequent legal
proceedings.

Overall, the charge room plays a critical role in the initial processing and documentation of
individuals who have been arrested, providing an important starting point for subsequent legal
proceedings.
The charge room is heard by the charge room officer who is accountable for treatment and
documentation of all the suspects brought to the station and those subsequently detained and the
charge officer is assisted by the writer 1 and writer 2 who’s main job is to document and write in the
registers that are on the counter. The base officer is also found in the charge room, he responsible
for receiving calls with the walkie talkie, we also have the available who is responsible for leading
people to the correct department. Ones of the important officer in the charge room or the cell guard,
he is in Greg of holding the keys the the cells and also responsible for being out a suspect or take
back the suspect to cell.In a charge room, you would typically find various items and equipment that
are used during the early stages of the legal process. Some common items found in a charge room
may include:

1. Desk and chairs: These are basic furniture items for conducting interviews and discussions with
suspects or witnesses.

2. Recording equipment: This could include audio recording devices or video cameras to capture
statements and interactions.

3. Forms and paperwork: There would be various forms and documents used to record personal
details, charges, and any other pertinent information related to the case.
4. Computers and software: These are used to access databases, write reports, and organize case-
related information.

5. Fingerprinting tools: Fingerprints may be taken from suspects and stored as evidence.

6. Handcuffs and other restraints: These are used to secure suspects if necessary.

7. Evidence bags and containers: These are used to collect and preserve physical evidence.

8. Evidence tags and labels: These help in correctly identifying and tracking the evidence collected.

9. Legal reference materials: These could include law books, codes, guidelines, or reference materials
for legal professionals.
10. Walkie talkies: this is used for communication among all the stations and police officers.
It's important to note that the specific items found in a charge room may vary depending on the
jurisdiction and the resources available.In my jurisdiction some of the items found in the charge
room are:
1. Daily order: The daily order document found in the charge room is a record of the daily
activities and assignments of the law enforcement officers. It includes information such as
shift schedules, patrol areas, special assignments, and any specific instructions or directives
given to the officers for that day. This document helps maintain order and coordination
within the law enforcement agency.

2. Routine dairy: the routine diary is the first most important dairy in the police station. It is
the dairy that reports all the incidents that occurs and happens in the station and every case
that is being reported to police station most be recorded in the routine diary no matter how
small or little the case maybe an entry must be made .
 3. The prisoner lock-up book: The "prisoner lock-up book" may refer to a record or log that
police stations keep to track the arrival, release, and movement of prisoners. This record
helps ensure accountability and proper documentation including every single thing that was
collected or found with the suspect most be written down so that when the suspects are
finally released every item that is written under the Sule fa name would be given back to the
released suspects. It is used to record down all the information of the suspects in the police
custody.

4. Movement register: the movement register is a book used by the police officers on duty to
indicate their movements especially when they are leaning the station . This helps the other
officers to know where a officer is when he or she is not around.

5. Movement of suspects: the movement of suspect register is the book that is used to indicate
when a suspect is being moved to another station, or being taken to a court.

6. Missing persons register: This register is used to take reports of missing person, to enable
the officers to take record of the person including there disruptions. The missing persons
register goes as:
• Name of complainant
• Address of complainant
• Name of the missing person
• Address of the missing person
• Age of the missing persons
• Completion of the missing person
• Height
• Tribe
• Tribe mark
• Clothe that was last seen on the missing person
• Last seen date of the missing person
• Language speaking
• Reasons of leaving home.
Some other items found in the charge room are:
7. Iron ruler
8. Walkie talkie/Motorola set etc

As internship students, we were expected to help them fill in registers, bring out suspects
from the cell with the help or aid of the cell guard, sometimes preachers do come to preach
the gospel to the inmates so we stand by with the inmates to ensure that they do not escape.
I also learnt the coding language that the officers use when communicating through the
walkie talkie and the control base for our division is base31, so for example if a suspect
escapes from another division, the division would communicate with our division saying
base 31 be on code Red a suspect has escaped that means the should be ready to take action
but if they communication says base 31 be on code yellow that means the writer 1 or2 or
any officer hearing that should have a writing material on stand by for the next information.
Any communication through the walkie talkie goes through all the divisions in the state
including the commissioner of police.

After 2 weeks, we were posted in the charge room where moved to the divisional crime branch and
I learnt that the divisional crime branch in a police station is a specialized unit that handles the
investigation of serious and complex crimes within a specific geographical division or area. Its main
focus is to identify, track, and apprehend criminals involved in crimes such as homicides, robberies,
kidnappings, organized crime, and other major offenses. This division often works closely with other
law enforcement agencies and units to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build strong cases
for prosecution.The crime branch is headed by the DCO 1 (divisional crime officer 1), DCO2 and A
divisional crime officer is typically a senior police officer who is responsible for overseeing crime
prevention and investigation within a specific division or district. They supervise a team of
detectives and officers, coordinate with other law enforcement agencies, and ensure that crime
detection and prevention efforts are effectively carried out within their jurisdiction. The specific
duties and responsibilities may vary depending on the jurisdiction and organizational structure of
the police force.A SO(station officer) who is in charge of watching over the affairs of the police
station and also helps the DCO1 and DCO2.the crime branch also has an IC (inspector crime), they
are police officers working in plain clothes in crimson investigation units. Police inspectors and
detectives investigate facts and circumstances relating to crimes committed in order to identify
suspected offenders and obtain information not readily available or apparent concerning
establishments or the circumstances and behaviour of persons, mostly in order to prevent
crimes, he or she is helped by and IPO’s (inspecting police officer). The divisional crime branch
within a police station typically has the following functions:
1. Investigation: The divisional crime branch is responsible for investigating complex and serious
crimes within their geographic division. This may include offenses such as murder, robbery,
organized crime, cybercrime, fraud, and other major offenses.

2. Collection of Intelligence: The divisional crime branch gathers intelligence related to criminal
activities in their area of jurisdiction. This involves monitoring and analyzing crime trends,
patterns, and activities to predict and prevent crime.

3. Crime Prevention: The divisional crime branch works proactively to prevent crimes by
identifying potential threats, conducting preventive patrols, and implementing crime
prevention programs in their division.

4. . Specialized Units: The divisional crime branch often houses specialized units that focus on
specific types of crime, such as homicide, narcotics, economic offenses, or cybercrime. These
units have specialized training and expertise to effectively deal with specific types of crimes.
Some documents, record and items found in the crime branch are:
• Baton: the police baton was utilized under sir Robert peel in the early 1800’s and
was called a truncheon. It is used to install fear on the suspect to hasten the suspect
to say the truth about the case.
• Crime diary : the crime diary is used to indicate every case that is brought to the
crime divisional branch, it helps the IPO’s (investigation police officers) to keep
track on the case that was being reported and so that every case can be documented
properly.
• Case files: a case file is the collection of documents and evidence relating to a
particular legal case. Below is an example of a case file.
• Statements for both the accused and complainants: a statement for us used to
officially affirm a previous statement made by a certain individual about a specific
case or about a case. The picture below shows an example of a statement form.
 • Bail, search warrants and detention order: A bail form is used to to release a suspect
from cell, mostly in a bail form there are specific requirements that are supposed to
be provided before the release of the suspect. Search warrants enable a police officer
to be able to search a building or property with the legal permission of the law
,at the end of the search the police officer is supposed to fill the search warrant with
information like if any exhibit was found in the location or if the property of the
individual was destroyed. A detention order is filed from the crime office to the
charge room officer giving them the order to detain a suspect in cell.
• Bond to produce exhibits form: this firm enables the officers to release exhibits
either in form of money, phone, television e.t.c to either the complainant or accused
after investigation.
• First information report judicial form: this form is appealed to the judge/court to to
increase the number of days to detain a suspect either for 24 or 38 days to give the
investigation police officers more time to investigate the case, because a suspect is
not supposed to keep a suspect for more than 48hrs.
While doing my beats internship at the A division police station, I had the opportunity to learn how
to help write statements for both the accused and the complainant, listen to cases and try to provide
possible solutions, followed some investigation officers for inquiry, going to crime scene to have a
proper in-depth understanding on the case, I even had the opportunity to arrest a suspect in case of
theft. I learnt that while making an arrest you have to be calm and say “Mr x in the name of the
president of the federal republic of Nigeria, your under arrest for the theft and criminal conspiracy “.
I also learnt about the process of investigation.
 Problems encountered my internship program

1. Lack of adequate training of the police officers : during my first 3 weeks of

staying in the charge room, I noticed that the charge room officer hardly
knew her powers in that office and how to dispatch them. She was mostly
just sitting and sleeping, when complainant came she would just send them
to the crime department instead of listening to their complaints first.
Another thing was that the cell guard did not like staying at his duty posts
and when visitors came to visit a suspect, we had to go look for the cell
guard because he is the one in charge of the keys to the cells.
2. Lack of scientific and technological equipment for detection of crime: the
police officers use old ways in keeping records and documents by just
storing them in cupboards and pilling them up. This is not right because
cases tend to get mix up in the shelves or get missing, scientific labs
available in the station or forensic lab for proper investigations.
3. Lack of proper infrastructure: the police station building is very old and the
building looks shaky, the tools are bad, roof is leaking, the cells are not well
painted, offices don’t have proper tables and chairs, the windows are
broken, and the building hasn’t been fumigated for over 2 years. All this does
not show a good image of the police to the public .
4. Inadequate funding: The police work is very low in find and in turn making
it hard for them to be able to dispatch there duties properly. when it was
time to go for inquiry we never used a police van because there wasn’t fuel,
we either used tricycles or the complaints vehicles. This problem has further
handicapped the NPF.
5. Bribery and corruption: this is another challenge that the Nigerian police
force are facing. According to what we see, we are told that bail is free but
when you get arrested and request for bail they would tell you that bail is
free if you know your way, so that mean’s automatically bail isn’t free. Even
in the charge room I noticed that when suspects are released before the
charge room officer gives the suspect back their things, they have to pay the
charge room officer before they are allowed to go.

Suggested improvements

To improve the Nigerian police force, here are a few suggestions:

1. Strengthen recruitment and training: Implement rigorous

recruitment processes to ensure that only qualified individuals with
high ethical standards are admitted into the force. Enhance training
programs to impart necessary skills, knowledge, and ethical values.
Implement a rigorous and transparent recruitment and vetting
process to ensure that only qualified and ethical individuals are
selected for the police force. Background checks, psychological
evaluations, and integrity tests should be standard procedures to
identify any potential issues that could compromise

2. Enhance community policing: Promote community engagement and

collaboration with citizens to build trust and maintain effective
communication channels. Establish neighborhood watch programs,
community policing forums, and public-private partnerships.

3. Provide adequate resources: Allocate sufficient funds to equip the

police force with modern technology, vehicles, and equipment
necessary to effectively combat crime. This includes communication
systems, surveillance cameras, forensic labs, and patrol vehicles.
 4. Foster accountability and transparency: Establish an independent
oversight mechanism to monitor the conduct and performance of
police officers. Implement systems for effective complaint filing and
resolution, and ensure timely and fair investigations of alleged
misconduct.
6. Improve working conditions: Address the welfare and working conditions of
police officers, including fair remuneration:

7. Enhanced training: Invest in comprehensive training programs for police

officers, focusing on areas such as community policing, human rights,
conflict resolution, and de-escalation techniques. Continuous training will
help officers develop a better understanding of their roles, responsibilities,
and the best strategies to handle various situations.

8. Accountability and transparency: Establish an independent oversight body

to ensure accountability within the police force. This body should be
responsible for impartially investigating complaints against officers and
taking appropriate action when necessary. Additionally, implementing
measures such as body cameras for officers can help increase transparency
and hold both the police and the public accountable for their actions.

CONCLUSION
In conclusion , I want to say Firstly that the Nigerian police force are doing their very best
in ensuring that the execute their powers and responsibilities in the state. This
criminological report sheds light on the state of the police force, its strengths, and areas for
improvement. It is evident that the police force has made significant progress in adopting
proactive measures to combat crime and enhance public safety. The implementation of
community policing initiatives, integration of technology, and emphasis on specialized
training have all played a vital role in fostering positive interactions between law
enforcement and the community.

However, it is essential to acknowledge that challenges remain within the police force.
Instances of excessive use of force, racial profiling, and lack of accountability have raised
concerns in recent years. These issues highlight the need for ongoing reforms and stricter
oversight mechanisms to ensure the police force operates with transparency, fairness, and
public confidence.

To address these concerns, it is imperative for law enforcement agencies to prioritize

comprehensive training programs that encompass cultural competency, de-escalation
techniques, and ethical decision-making. Additionally, introducing robust mechanisms for
civilian oversight, such as independent review boards, can help foster accountability and
bring about a better Nigerian police force.. Lastly I want to say thank you to the department
of criminology for giving me the opportunity to have a first hand experience, understanding
and field walk training of my field of study.