The CLEEN Foundation, formally the Centre for Law Enforcement Education in Nigeria, hosts public forums where citizens and police can discuss concerns and grievances regarding crime and police conduct.
Cycle of Distrust Between Police and Communities
Communities and police forces can find themselves in an unproductive cycle of distrust. Community members are concerned about police misconduct, brutality, and corruption. The police, in turn, can see the community as hostile and uncooperative in their investigations.
In Nigeria, the centralized structure of the police force has contributed to the problem. One agenda and set of policies applies to the whole country, creating a gap between the law enforcement priorities of the police and the needs of the local communities.
CLEEN Proposes Public Forums to Governments
CLEEN begins bridging this divide by sending letters proposing a public forum in their communities to local governments. The group follows up on this invitation only if local governments respond and the cooperation and commitment of the local police division can be secured. CLEEN then conducts a partnership workshop. Police and community members receive conflict-resolution training, discuss police responses to local complaints, and discuss the CLEEN program’s implementation in the area. These workshops allow each community to shape the program to its own needs. Two people from the community are then hired on a part-time basis to coordinate the forums for two years. After the two-year period is over, the community must find a way to sustain the program on its own.
One major friction point in many societies is the relationship between police and civilians. Poor communication can lead to abuses or compromise safety. In Nigeria, CLEEN has found an innovative solution by creating a nonthreatening environment where community members and police officers can discuss their concerns. This tactic humanizes both sides, fostering collaboration instead of opposition, which can break cycles of mistrust. Over time, this helps reduce both police violence and civilian crime. Implemented in 14 local government areas, CLEEN’s approach could also help resolve conflicts between other groups, such as ethnic communities or business owners and farmers, though long-term commitment is crucial for success.
New Tactics in Human Rights does not advocate for or endorse specific tactics, policies or issues.
