As part of efforts to fill identified gap for effective policing in Abia State, the State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has launched Abia State Crime Prevention and Management System (CPAMS) with a view to using modern digital technology and police science approach in tackling issues of criminality in the State.
Speaking at the official launch of Abia CPAMS and inauguration of Nine-Member Committee to plan the proposed visit of the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu to the State at Michael Okpara Auditorium Umuahia, Ikpeazu expressed his desire to make Abia the safest State in Nigeria so as to create an ambience for foreign investment, encourage free enterprise and sustain the pillars of development of his administration.
He expressed joy that the CPAMS, like a mustard seed planted in his heart so many months ago, has become a huge tree that would provide succour for effective policing not only in Abia State, but Nigeria as a whole.
The Governor observed that proactive policing requires that crime officers to be ahead of criminals adding that with CPAMS, the identity of criminals can be captured and installed in a database that would be transferable across the country.
According to the state’s helmsman, with proper implementation of CPAMS in Abia State, it would be difficult for a serial criminal to be a first offender as DPOs can easily identity if a criminals is a first offender.
Dr. Ikpeazu also said that with the system, community participation with the police will become easier while reward system for diligent officers will also be done with ease.
Ikpeazu used the opportunity to announce that his administration will, through the Ministry of Homeland Security, provide solar powered systems in all police stations in the State as well as provide computers to all Police Divisions including the office of the Inspector General of police, Deputy Inspector General of Police and the Commissioner of Police for easy coordination of the scheme.
He commended the Endi Ezengwa-led CPAMS team for their hardwork in making the dream a reality as well as the Homeland Security officers that have graduated and urged them to collaborate with the Police and other security agencies in the State to make Abia crime free.
He also called on the Commissioner of Police in the State to prevail on the police hierarchy to embrace the programme for a strong database in crime prevention and detection.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Homeland Security, Prince Dan Okoli thanked the Governor for his commitment in making Abia the most peaceful and secure state in Nigeria and assured that his Ministry will support him to realize the dream of making Abia a crime-free State.
In a goodwill message, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Janet Agbede disclosed that the modus operandi of crime prevention is not static maintainig that it was in view of this that Governor Ikpeazu, after consultation with stakeholders rolled out the programme.
She said that the launch will lead to a more pragmatic security network involving all stakeholders as well as ensure effective policing in the State.
CP Agbaje who described Abia as one of the most security conscious states in Nigeria advised Abians to stay away from crime.
In a welcome address, the Coordinator Abia CPAMS, Endi Ezengwa said CPAMS described Crime Prevention and Management System of this nature as the first of its kind in Nigeria with the capacity to deter criminals and improve community access to the police and instill confidence among the people.
Ezengwa appealed to Abians to support the programme.
ABIA ONLINE reports that the event which featured demonstration of the operations of CPAMS by the Police trainees and officers of the Abia Homeland Security Watch and presentation of certificates to CPAMS trainees.
