The Director-General of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), DCOP Lydia Yaako Donkor, has called on crime officers of the Ghana Police Service to sharpen their investigative skills and recommit to professional standards, stressing that effective investigations are fundamental to successful criminal prosecutions.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Regional Crime Officers Conference in Accra on Thursday, December 18, DCOP Donkor reminded officers that they remain at the forefront of the fight against crime and play a critical role in ensuring justice and public safety.
She explained that the conference theme, “The current downward trend of police investigations: the role of crime officers,” underscores the urgent need to address challenges undermining the quality of criminal investigations nationwide.
DCOP Donkor emphasised that the ability to gather credible evidence, conduct thorough witness interviews, and build strong, prosecutable cases is indispensable to Ghana’s justice delivery system.
However, she acknowledged that crime officers continue to face significant challenges, including limited resources, irregular and inadequate training, and the increasingly sophisticated nature of criminal activity, all of which have made police work more demanding.
She noted that the conference was organised to provide targeted education and expose officers to emerging trends and best practices in criminal investigations, adding that experienced resource persons had been assembled to share practical insights and expertise.
DCOP Donkor commended crime officers for their dedication and professionalism, praising them for achieving results despite the numerous challenges confronting their work.
She urged participants to fully engage in the conference by networking, learning from facilitators and senior officers, and actively contributing to discussions.
