Accra, Aug. 8, GNA - The Ghana Police Service would on August 13 launch the Community Policing Unit (CPU) aimed at educating the public on its concepts and functions in making the communities safer to live in and devoid of criminal activities.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Mina Ayim, Director of Community Policing Unit, who disclosed this on Monday at a press conference in Accra, said crime prevention was a joint responsibility between the public and the police.

DCOP Ayim noted that community policing was a partnership where the police worked together with the community to prevent and reduce crime in enhancing community safety.

She said community policing would empower citizens to contribute towards safety in their communities and ensure transparency and accountability in the performance of the police.

DCOP Ayim said the police needed vital information to save life, hence the need to collaborate with strategic partners like the community to fight crime and improve police public relations built on trust, respect and commitment.

Police Chief Superintendent Mohammed Suraji, Deputy Director of CPU, said the directorate had lined up four conferences as part of the programmes with various stakeholders as participants.

Superintendent Suraji said the stakeholders’ conferences were scheduled for August 12, 15, 16 and 17, 2011 in Accra.

He said participants would include civil society organisations, international organizations, Ministries, Departments and Agencies, religious and traditional authorities, Christian organizations and churches, the business community and financial and banking institutions.

He said there would be a documentary on the community policing concept and principles and urged the public to partner the police in the fight against crime.