Internship Report: Nigeria Police Command Headquarters, Ogun State
Name: OMOTAYO KAYODE MICHEAL
Matric no : 22/10016
University: CALEB UNIVERSITY IMOTA LAGOS
Internship Location: NIGERIA POLICE HEADQUARTERS,
ELEWERAN,OGUN STATE NIGERIA
Duration: 2 Months (Weeks 1–8)
Introduction
As a requirement for my academic program at Caleb University, I embarked
on a two-month internship to gain hands-on experience in criminal
investigations and the law enforcement process. I completed this internship
at the Nigeria Police Command Headquarters in Ogun State. This report
outlines my weekly activities, knowledge gained, and skills developed, with
an emphasis on practical aspects of criminal justice and case handling.
Week 1: Introduction to Cautionary and Voluntary Statements
The first week focused on understanding the distinction between cautionary
and voluntary statements, both of which are fundamental in criminal
investigations. My supervisor introduced me to the legal implications of each
type of statement and supervised my training in drafting them.
Cautionary Statements: I learned that a cautionary statement is taken
when a suspect is warned of their rights and informed that they are not
obliged to incriminate themselves. The statement must be given freely,
without coercion. In Nigeria’s legal system, such statements are essential as
they ensure suspects’ rights are protected and evidence collected is legally
admissible.
Key Insight: My supervisor emphasized that reading the cautionary warning
aloud to a suspect is critical, as it safeguards the legality of the statement in
court.
Voluntary Statements: These statements are written willingly by suspects
without coercion. They serve as evidence in court and must be signed by the
suspect.
Key Insight: My supervisor explained that voluntary statements should be
written in the suspect’s own words as much as possible to ensure
authenticity.
Week 2: Crime Scene Investigation Techniques
In the second week, I observed a crime scene investigation process, focusing
on the procedures followed by officers to ensure evidence is handled
properly.
Securing the Crime Scene: Upon arriving at a crime scene, officers
prioritize securing the area to prevent contamination or tampering with
evidence.
Key Insight: I learned that handling evidence with proper tools and
maintaining a chain of custody is critical. Each piece of evidence was logged
with a description, time, and location for future reference.
Documentation: Accurate documentation of the crime scene is crucial for
building a strong case.
Example: Officers took photographs, sketches, and written notes to create a
complete record of the scene. I learned the importance of perspective,
angles, and details in documentation to provide a clear picture of the crime
scene.
Week 3: Managing Case Files
This week was dedicated to understanding the structure and management of
case files. Case files are essential records that compile all relevant
documents and evidence associated with a criminal investigation.
Structure of Case Files: Case files typically include statements from both
the accuser and the accused, evidence collected, investigation reports, and
other relevant information.
Practical Experience: Under my supervisor’s guidance, I assisted in
organizing and categorizing information in case files. I learned the
importance of arranging documents chronologically and including a summary
page for quick reference.
Confidentiality and Security: I observed protocols to maintain the
confidentiality of case files, as they often contain sensitive information that,
if leaked, could impact the investigation or trial.
Example: Files were stored securely, with limited access granted only to
authorized personnel. I learned to handle these files with care and respect
for privacy.
Week 4: Collaboration with Other Agencies
In my fourth week, I was introduced to the role of interagency collaboration
in criminal investigations, particularly for cases that require input or
verification from other governmental bodies.
Land Ownership Investigation: My department was involved in a land
ownership dispute that required collaboration with other agencies to gather
comprehensive evidence.
Example: The department coordinated with land surveyors and legal experts
to gather records, such as historical ownership documents and land
boundaries.
Documentation and Verification: I participated in drafting a formal
request to another agency for assistance in a land survey.
Practical Experience: This experience taught me the importance of
accurate documentation when requesting information from other agencies
and maintaining a paper trail for accountability.
Research and Analysis: Part of my role included researching land records
to support the ongoing case. This involved reviewing documents and
identifying inconsistencies in ownership claims.
Additional Weeks: Continued Learning and Skill Development
Throughout the remaining weeks, I continued to build on my skills in
evidence handling, crime scene management, and legal documentation.
Some additional insights included:
Legal Procedures and Court Preparations: I observed preparations
made by officers when a case was ready to go to court. This included
organizing the case file, briefing the legal team, and ensuring all evidence
was in order.
Writing Reports and Statements: I assisted in writing summary reports
for completed investigations. My supervisor taught me to write clearly and
objectively, focusing on facts without assumptions or opinions.
Key Skills Developed
Attention to Detail: Accurate documentation is crucial in law enforcement.
I learned to pay attention to small details that might be critical in legal
proceedings.
Professional Communication: Interacting with various departments and
agencies improved my communication skills, especially in formal writing and
report creation.
Legal Awareness: My internship deepened my understanding of Nigerian
criminal law, particularly regarding the rights of suspects and legal protocols
for evidence handling.
Conclusion
My two-month internship at the Nigeria Police Command Headquarters in
Ogun State has been invaluable in bridging the gap between theoretical
knowledge and real-world practice. This experience has strengthened my
understanding of the Nigerian legal system, improved my documentation
and organizational skills, and introduced me to the complexities of criminal
investigations. I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside
experienced officers and to learn from their expertise, which has prepared
me well for future professional endeavors in the field of law and criminal
justice.
This detailed report reflects your tasks, observations, and the skills
developed during your internship, providing a comprehensive overview of
your learning experience. Let me know if you would like any more specifics
or further elaboration on any section.
