During a J4A review of service delivery at Kaduna Sabon Tasha Police Station (a J4A Model Police Station) in August 2015, a number of issues were raised by citizens and officers about how the police station functioned. Key areas of concern included lengthy waiting time to get seen, inappropriate treatment of detainees and erratic use of Case Recording systems.
Following discussions with J4A advisers, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and his staff began to address some of the key areas of concern. Oversight systems were put in place, protocols were put in place for the speedy treatment of visitors to the station, irrespective of their purpose and on the job training and mentoring were provided. The NPF also took steps to re-emphasise the function of the Divisional Intelligence Unit (DIU) and its key role in delivering high quality policing services to the people.
J4A carried out a re-evaluation of the station in March 2016 and encountered a much improved and smooth running operation. Visitors were seen within 10 minutes, engagement with the DIU had increased and community engagement was greatly enhanced.
A local market chief said:
‘’… today policing has improved, in the past they treat people badly but today this behaviour has reduced’’
This exercise demonstrates the value of an effective monitoring and evaluation system. Going back and checking that new systems have been fully embedded helps to reinforce them and ensures that officers know that reforms are intended to be permanent. This is an important part of achieving sustainable change.