The International Institute of Professional Security has recently conducted a two-day training session on criminal profiling for 91 police officers at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Panti, Lagos.
This training marked the second event organized by Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Ahmed Lateef since he took office in March 2024.
Lateef emphasized the importance of continuous training for police officers.
“For officers to perform well in their various departments, training is inevitable. This is why I always go the extra mile to deploy experts to come and train my men because it has been my utmost desire,” he stated.
SCID Public Relations Officer, ASP Uthman Mogaji, elaborated on the training program, noting that it included 91 police officers and six Industrial Training students.
“We had training with people from the International Institute of Professional Security. The total number of officers that participated was 91, including the Area Commander from Area D, and all Divisional Police Officers, DPO, under his supervision,” Mogaji explained.
Mogaji detailed the contributions of various trainers during the session. Mr. Gbon Thomas kicked off the training by distinguishing between criminal profiling and police investigation, sharing his extensive knowledge on the topic.
He noted that Mrs. Folashade followed with a lecture on social skills, emphasizing effective communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving as essential qualities for investigators. Her presentation was described as highly impactful.
He stated Dr. Tunji’s session on leadership in the security department covered the laws of leadership, wisdom, humility, and decision-making, providing officers with invaluable insights.
“We had six IT students who were also involved in the training. During the two-day lecture, the first trainer, Mr. Gbon Thomas, explained the difference between criminal profiling and police investigation and provided us with the best of his knowledge.
“Following that, we had Mrs. Folashade, who lectured on social skills. She emphasized the skills needed to be good investigators, such as effective communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Her lecture was impactful.
“Afterward, Dr. Tunji took the stage and discussed leadership in the security department, covering the laws of leadership, wisdom, humility, and decision-making. Every officer involved in the training was able to take home valuable lessons. Dr. Tunji also talked about diplomacy and other related topics ,” Mogaji added.
The training continued with Dr. Tunji covering the fundamentals of pathfinding, including the aims and objectives of investigations, the characteristics of pathfinding, and the importance of impartiality and honesty in gathering material evidence.
Another lecturer addressed criminal profiling, emphasizing that profiling must be based on facts rather than assumptions, quoting Otega 1999. The session also covered victimology.
Speaking further, Mogaji added, “It was a two-day training with facilitators from the International Institute of Professional Security. Dr. Tunji took the first part on the first day and taught us the fundamentals of pathfinding. He explained the aims and objectives of investigations, the characteristics of pathfinding, and the importance of impartiality and honesty. He also discussed the gathering of material evidence.
“Another lecturer discussed criminal profiling, quoting Otega 1999, stating that profiling must be based on facts rather than assumptions. The lecture was educational, covering topics such as victimology.”
Mogaji highlighted the inclusive nature of the training, stating, “The criteria for being a partaker were open to everyone. There were no restrictions. Since DCP resumed office, he has been consistently organizing training for us since March 2024.”
During the two-day event, officers from various divisions actively participated, seen in uniform, diligently writing and asking questions.
