In a significant step towards improving law enforcement and community engagement, a team of seven personnel from The Gambia Police Force recently completed a week-long community policing training at the Botswana Police Academy.
The training, which took place from September 18 to 22, 2023, saw officers from various regions of The Gambia join hands to bolster their skills and knowledge in community policing.
The diverse team of Gambian officers included Deputy Superintendent (DSP) Gibril Camara from Central River Region (CRR), DSP Kemo Sanneh from Lower River Region (LRR), Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Buba Jammeh from Upper River Region (URR), ASP Buba Camara from West Coast Region (WCR), Sub-Inspector (SI) Fatou Lena Mballow, Corporal (Cpl) Basirou Badjie, and Woman Corporal (WCpl) Mai Jefang from Police Headquarters in Banjul.
This international training event extended beyond national borders, bringing together law enforcement representatives from five African countries: Malawi, Eswatini, Uganda, Botswana, and The Gambia.
The collaborative effort also featured the invaluable expertise of three facilitators from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department in the United States.
The facilitators included Captain Kurt Mckenzie, Sergeant Tim Frederick, and Officer Lucas Abbott.
Throughout the week, the participating officers were immersed in a comprehensive curriculum designed to expose them to various models of community policing.
The program aimed to enhance their understanding and expertise in community policing strategies, ultimately reinforcing their ability to interact with and serve the public effectively.
The commitment of The Gambia Police Force to providing ongoing training opportunities for its officers underscores their dedication to improving service delivery and strengthening the bonds between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
This initiative aligns with broader efforts to promote community-oriented policing practices that prioritize safety, community engagement, and collaborative problem-solving.
The successful completion of the community policing training signifies a significant step forward in the development of law enforcement strategies in The Gambia, as these officers return to their respective regions equipped with new skills and knowledge to better serve and protect their communities.
About Author
