Miva Open University is pleased to convene the July edition of its University Series Seminar, an ongoing platform that exemplifies our unwavering pursuit of academic excellence and interdisciplinary exchange. This monthly forum plays a pivotal role in enriching the intellectual fabric of our institution, drawing together a vibrant community of researchers, professionals, and students. It offers a space for critical inquiry, cross-sector engagement, and the generation of innovative ideas that transcend disciplinary boundaries. As we embark on this month’s seminar, we renew our institutional commitment to fostering scholarly dialogue and building networks that support the continuous evolution of knowledge across diverse fields of study.

For July 2025, here are the details of the discourse:

• Date: Thursday, 31st July, 2025
  
  
• Time: 4:00 PM (WAT)
  
  
• Host: Prof. Tayo Arulogun, Vice Chancellor, Miva Open University
  
  
• Speaker: Dr. Chijike L. Ezeji, Senior Post-Doctoral Fellow at University of Johannesburg and Distinguished Researcher at the University of Copenhagen
  
  
• Topic: Innovative and Disruptive Policing: Considering Intelligence-Driven Community Policing as a Remodeled Strategy for Addressing Crime and Insecurity in Contemporary Society.
  
  
• Registration Link: https://tinyurl.com/MivaDiscourseReg
  
  

Here are a few things to expect in this academic discourse: 

• Overview of Crime and Insecurity: The discourse would begin with a detailed exploration of contemporary crime and insecurity issues, both globally and within specific regions (e.g., urban vs. rural settings, socio-political factors influencing crime, etc.). Discussion of traditional policing methods and why they may no longer be as effective in tackling modern crime, especially with the rise of complex, transnational, and digital crime.
  
  
• Innovative and Disruptive Policing: Exploration of what constitutes “innovative” and “disruptive” policing. This could involve the use of new technologies, data-driven decision-making, or unconventional strategies that challenge existing norms. Examples of where disruptive policing strategies have been successfully implemented or failed. For instance, the use of predictive policing, facial recognition, or community-based surveillance initiatives.
  
  
• Intelligence-Driven Policing: Discussion of how intelligence—both human intelligence (HUMINT) and technological intelligence (like data analytics, AI, etc.) is central to modern policing. The use of crime mapping, big data, and predictive analytics to anticipate and prevent crimes before they happen.  How intelligence-driven policing often involves coordination between various agencies (e.g., local police, national security, international law enforcement).
  
  
• Community Policing as a Strategy: A reminder of the pillars of community policing, which focuses on building strong relationships between law enforcement and the community, increasing trust, and collaborative problem-solving. Discussion of how community policing strategies can be enhanced with intelligence-driven methods, leading to more proactive and anticipatory policing.
  
  
• Addressing Ethical, Legal, and Privacy Concerns: As intelligence-driven policing relies on extensive data collection, there may be concerns about the balance between security and individual freedoms. How to ensure that intelligence-driven methods don’t result in over-policing or discriminatory practices. Ensuring that intelligence-gathering and policing methods are transparent and do not erode public trust.
  
  
• Technological Advancements: How AI and machine learning algorithms can help predict crime patterns, assist in investigations, and manage large-scale data sets for criminal analysis. The role of drones, surveillance cameras, and other technology in enhancing policing operations, while also considering ethical implications. As crime increasingly moves online, cybersecurity becomes a critical aspect of policing. A discussion about protecting citizens and gathering intelligence from digital sources.
  
  
• Global Perspectives and Comparative Approaches: How different countries have approached intelligence-driven and community policing, such as models from the United States, the UK, or Scandinavian countries, and lessons from global trends. How community policing strategies need to be adapted to different cultures and societal structures to be effective.

About the Speaker

Dr. Chiji L. Ezeji is a Senior Post-Doctoral Fellow at the School of Public Management Governance and Public Policy, College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, South Africa, and a Distinguished Researcher at the Centre for Interdisciplinary Study of Law, Faculty of Law, University of Copenhagen, Denmark. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Socio-Legal Studies with a major in Administration of Criminal Justice and Criminology from the University of South Africa (UNISA). He also holds a master’s degree in Policing, passed with Cum Laude (distinction), from Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa, focusing on Cybercrimes and Technologically Enhanced Crimes.

Additionally, he holds a Doctorate degree in Policing from Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa, specialising in Intelligence-led Policing and Crime Prevention. Dr. Ezeji is a multidisciplinary researcher, highly esteemed academic, and an expert in the fields of criminology, public and cyber policy, artificial intelligence, technology and crime, cyber security, criminal justice, policing, safety; security, cybercrime, victimology, forensic psychology, criminal law, intelligence-led policing, crime intelligence, and misinformation on cybersystems, gender-based violence, domestic violence, and intelligence-driven community policing. He has lectured and published extensively on the aforementioned fields.