The Osun State Commissioner of Police, Olawale Olokode, on Thursday, explained that there was no agreement to pay constabularies recruited under the community policing initiative.

This was explained in a statement signed by the Command Spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola, in reaction to the protest staged by the 480 constabularies over unpaid 18 months stipends across major streets of Osogbo on Wednesday.

Olokode said the State or Local Government, where the constabularies were serving may decide to give them stipends.

“We, hereby, state unequivocally that, the Community Policing Constabulary Scheme of the Force is a purely voluntary service which is Federal Government initiative to improve security at the grassroots through training and incorporate individuals with prior paid employment who desire to spend their spare time assisting the police in its simple police tasks within their various communities.

“We re-emphasise the fact that the scheme is voluntary and no payments were agreed with the individuals under the scheme neither were paid terms of appointment discussed prior to its commencement.

“Notwithstanding, the State Government or local government where they are serving, may decide to give stipends to the members of the special constabularies recruited by them for this assignment in their states, which does not interfere or change the constitution of the scheme.”