PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF THE NIGERIAN POLICE FORCE IN EGOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF EDO STATE

This study investigates the public perception of the Nigerian police force in Egor LocalGovernment Area of Edo State. Guided by the system theory, it explores how residentsassess the performance, behavior and relationship of the police with the community. Using adescriptive survey design, data were collected from 100 randomly selected respondents fromthe age range of 18 years to 46 years and above through structured questionnaire andanalyzed using simple percentages and frequency tables. Findings shows that while the police force holds a vital role in the maintenance order, public-perception remains largely negative due to corruption, bribery, poor response to distresscalls and police brutality. Respondents also identified inadequate training and lowmotivation as factors affecting police effectiveness. This study concluded that bridging thegap between police force and the community requires improved welfare, accountability andenhanced community policing initiatives to restore trust and credibility in the NigerianPolice Force