The Sierra Leone Police has initiated a training program for members of the Local Policing Partnership Board (LPPB) and Community Safety Volunteers (CSVs) in Karene District. This effort aims to strengthen community participation in crime prevention and public safety. The training, held at Kamakwie Community Plaza, was led by Regional Police Commander AIG Esther Mary Kaintor-Dukuray. It assembled young people and community stakeholders to discuss their roles in supporting law enforcement and maintaining peace.
Addressing the participants on behalf of the regional commander, ASP Mariatu Fofanah commended the LPPB members and CSVs for their contributions to local security. She emphasized that effective crime prevention requires cooperation between the police and the communities they serve. ASP Fofanah also provided education on human rights, lawful arrest and detention, and the dangers of substance misuse, particularly the use of tramadol, cannabis, and kush.
During the training, ASP Fofanah warned against mob justice and urged participants to hand over suspected offenders to the police for proper investigation and legal action. Instead of taking the law into their own hands, she encouraged them to allow the police to handle such situations. This approach aims to ensure that justice is served through legal channels and that community safety volunteers operate within their designated roles.
Inspector AbuBakarr Sidikie highlighted the importance of police-community cooperation as a key element of the regional commander’s policing approach. He encouraged participants to provide timely and credible information to the police to support crime prevention and maintain public order. This partnership is crucial for enhancing security and fostering trust between law enforcement and the community.
The training also emphasized the need for discipline and respect for constituted authority among community safety personnel. Participants were reminded to operate within the rules governing their responsibilities and were warned that misconduct would not be tolerated. This ensures that community volunteers work effectively and ethically in their roles.
Superintendent John S. Koroma, Kamakwie Local Unit Commander, expressed gratitude to the regional headquarters team for delivering the training. He expressed confidence that the knowledge gained would help participants improve police-community relations and contribute to crime prevention across the district. The training is expected to have a positive impact on community safety and security.
The participants pledged to work closely with the Sierra Leone Police to promote peace, strengthen community safety, and support efforts to prevent crime throughout Karene District. This commitment reflects their dedication to enhancing security and cooperation between the police and the community. The training is a significant step towards achieving these goals.
Key points
- The Sierra Leone Police trains community volunteers in Karene District to enhance crime prevention and public safety.
