International Institute Trains 91 Nigerian Police Officers On Criminal Profiling

The International Institute of Professional Security (IIPS), held a two-day criminal profiling training session for 91 police officers at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti Lagos, over the weekend.

Since taking office in March 2024, Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP, Ahmed Lateef, has organised two events, including the training.

According to DCP Lateef, training police officers has always been my greatest ambition. “For officers to excel in their various departments, training is unavoidable. This is why I always go above and beyond to bring in experts to train my men because it has always been my greatest desire.”

Speaking to reporters about the training, State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Public Relations Officer, ASP Uthman Mogaji, stated that the training included 91 police officers as well as Industrial Training, and IT, students.

She said, “We had training with people from the International Institute of Professional Security. The total number of officers who participated was 91, including the Area Commander from Area D and all Divisional Police Officers (DPO) under his supervision.

“Six IT students also participated in the training. During the two-day lecture, the first trainer, Mr Gbon Thomas, explained the difference between criminal profiling and police investigation to the best of his abilities.

“Following that, Mrs. Folashade gave a lecture on social skills. She emphasised the skills required to be successful investigators, such as effective communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Her lecture had a strong impact. Dr Tunji then took the stage to discuss leadership in the security department, covering topics such as leadership laws, wisdom, humility, and decision-making. Every officer who attended the training learned valuable lessons. Dr. Tunji also discussed diplomacy and other related topics.

Mogaji continued, “It was a two-day training with facilitators from the International Institute of Professional Security.” Dr. Tunji took the first part of the day and taught us the basics of pathfinding. He discussed the goals and objectives of investigations, the characteristics of pathfinding, and the value of impartiality and honesty. He also talked about the gathering of physical evidence.

“Another lecturer discussed criminal profiling, quoting Otega 1999 and emphasising the importance of relying on facts rather than assumptions. The lecture was informative, covering topics such as victimology.

Speaking about the criteria used to select participants, Mogaji explained, “The criteria for participation were open to everyone. There were no limitations. Since DCP returned to office in March 2024, he has consistently organised training for us.”

Throughout the two-day event, this reporter observed officers from various divisions in uniform writing and asking questions.