The Council of African Descendants (CoAD) has raised safety concerns regarding diaspora repatriates in The Gambia to the Gambia Police Force (GPF).
The meeting looked at fostering dialogue with the police, addressing urgent safety issues and exploring opportunities for collaboration.
Mr Adrian, representing the repatriates in The Gambia, expressed growing concerns about their safety and posed several questions to the police.
“We want to understand the Community Safety Initiatives that provide updates on protections for vulnerable groups, as well as the Emergency Response Mechanisms,” he said, asking: “What improvements are being made for timely policy responses? Could you clarify the Self-Defence Laws and the available legal provisions for self-defence? Additionally, how can we enhance collaboration with community organizations to achieve better safety outcomes?”
He further inquired about several other important issues, such as improved crime reporting, policing resources, victim support services, cultural sensitivity training, public awareness campaigns, and feedback and accountability.
Mr Adrian raised pertinent concerns, asking the following questions: “How are delays in investigations being addressed, and how is evidence integrity ensured? What steps are being taken to enhance resources for efficient police operations? What mechanisms are in place to assist crime victims and keep them informed? Are officers being trained in diverse community engagement? What joint efforts are being made for education on crime prevention? How are transparent channels for reporting police issues being established?”
Faced with what looked like more questions than answers, Police Public Relations Officer Cadet Momodou Sisawo, in response, acknowledged the pressing issues in the country and emphasised the importance of swift police intervention in minimizing crime.
“We face challenges, one of which is the lack of a proper communication centre,” he stated. “This hinders our ability to respond promptly to crime scenes, and it is something we are actively working to improve.”
PRO Sisawo also noted that when discussing vulnerability, it is crucial to focus on groups such as children and women. The GPF adopts a holistic approach to crime, addressing the rising criminal activity across the country’s seven regions, each led by a commissioner who collaborates with the military and other services to enhance security.
Furthermore, he highlighted that to prevent crime the GPF had organised night patrols, which are essential, especially on weekends when homes are often unguarded.
“Criminals tend to target neighbourhoods when residents are away. In response, we have initiated joint night patrols to ensure the safety of every resident in the country,” he said.
He also indicated that discussions at the executive level involve the president and security leaders analysing crime data to develop effective strategies.
“While we cannot eliminate crime, we strive to reduce and prevent it, recognizing that criminals often adapt more quickly than law enforcement,” he said.
