Nigerian Professor appointed advisor on police reform in Canada

A Nigerian Associate Professor of Criminology at the University of Alberta, Prof Temitope Oriola has been appointed as a Special Advisor on Police Act Review to the government of the Canadian province of Alberta,

Penpushing reports that the authorities made this known in a statement, explaining that the Professor was hired, for a six-month term, to provide independent advice to the Albertan government to guide its decision as the province seeks to improve its criminal justice system.

“Dr Oriola’s academic expertise and lived experience will also help us shape the ongoing engagement with diverse and racialized communities and ensure that our work to modernize policing in Alberta continues to be inclusive,” the statement added.

“With a body of research and published articles on law enforcement issues, Dr Oriola brings specialized experience and knowledge to reforming policing in Alberta,” Mr Madu noted in the statement released Wednesday.

Penpushing further reports that, Oriola speaking on his appointment expressed hopes to use his expertise in criminology and as a person of colour to entrench “law enforcement practices that rarely rely on force and police organizations that are trusted by all the communities they serve.”

The appointee explained that his goal was to develop a framework for the state police on how to reduce excessive use of force, while ensuring officer safety, stressing that he was pleased to join the team.

“I am pleased to join the team of committed professionals dedicated to retooling the Police Act for 21st century policing. This will provide a socio-legal framework to reduce excessive use of force, ensure officer safety and enhance trust in and legitimacy of police organizations,” he said

Penpushing also reports that Oriola is a two-time Carnegie fellow and recipient of the Governor General’s Academic Gold Medal. and is  President of the Canadian Association of African Studies, while his academic  expertise straddles policing and the use of force by police, transnational crimes, terrorism studies, resource conflict and social movements

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