Inspector General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno has reactivated all regional police command public affairs units after years of a centralised system operated by former IGP Dr George Akuffo Dampare.
The move, he explained, is being done to reinforce their mandate and foster improved police-public relations.
The former IGP centralised its PR system, an action that reserved police communication no matter where it must be concerned, at the headquarters in Accra.
Speaking at the opening of a three-day training exercise organised for officers, the new IGP posited that the reactivation of the public affairs units is to meet 21st-century policing standards and ensure fake news, disinformation and misinformation about the service and its works are curtailed.
He told the police public relations officers that the media has long been a key stakeholder in crime-fighting efforts, influencing public perceptions of our work in a variety of ways, and that our interactions with the media must be intentional, professional, and instructive, and strictly adhere to Service Instruction Number 7, which clearly outlines the guidelines for this engagement.
He insisted that the engagement between the media and police must be guided by the core values and ethical standards of the Ghana Police Service.
He also outlined what he termed his three pillars to the officers in charge of the Public Relations Units, saying,’It is our responsibility to protect the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information while balancing this duty with the need to remain as open and transparent as possible. Two: ensure that your interactions with the media adhere to the highest standards of credibility, integrity and impartiality, and finally, ensure consistency in our messaging across all regions and units.Given your vast experiences and competencies in fulfilling this duty, I have no doubt that you remain resolute and responsive to the times.’’
He added that the training will equip the officers with the new administration’s vision, enhance their skills and allow them to share experiences and refine strategies to improve their effectiveness in fulfilling their roles.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
