By: Alieu Ceesay
David Kujabi, a former police officer and the author of ‘After The Badge – My Experiences and Reflections as a Police Officer,’ sat down with The Alkamba Times for an interview to share his personal experiences that inspired him to write his new book.
Through his latest publication, Kujabi offers insight into his journey from law enforcement to becoming an author and how those experiences have influenced his writing.
“The inspiration behind writing ‘After The Badge’ stemmed from a desire to share my reflections on my journey as a police officer in The Gambia,” Kujabi revealed.
“Having undergone diverse training and served as a Public Relations Officer during different political eras, I felt compelled to offer insight into the intricacies of policing in our country.”
Reflecting on the challenges of transitioning from law enforcement to authorship, Kujabi emphasized the importance of balancing transparency with confidentiality in communicating sensitive information within the security sector.
He explained, “Communicating effectively as a PR practitioner in such a context requires tact and caution and a deep understanding of what information is suitable for public dissemination.”
Kujabi also highlighted his ambitious goal of publishing three books simultaneously: a memoir, a fiction novel, and an anthology.
“In ‘After the Badge,’ I delved into the intricacies of policing in The Gambia, drawing from my journey as a member of the police force,” he shared.
“Additionally, ‘The Chain and The Amulet’ transports readers to 1970s and 1980s Gambia, weaving a tale of love, politics, and historical upheaval.”
Recalling the pivotal moment in his career that profoundly influenced his perspective on law enforcement, Kujabi recounted a study tour in Northern Ireland, during which he candidly discussed the matter with an ex-British soldier.
“This encounter provided invaluable insights into the psychological transformations experienced by military and service personnel during training.”
“It forced me to examine the training programs designed to produce law enforcement officers and protectors of life and property.”
Through “After the Badge,” Kujabi hopes to spark conversations and initiatives to address the underlying problems within the Gambian Police Force, paving the way for meaningful reforms.
“My goal is to contribute to a better understanding of the complexities and intricacies involved in law enforcement in The Gambia,” he expressed.
The erudite author expressed his gratitude to readers worldwide for their support. He announced that “After The Badge” and “The Chain and The Amulet” are now accessible on Amazon and Kindle, with physical copies soon available locally in The Gambia.
Kujabi encouraged readers to contact him for inquiries, feedback, or further information, highlighting his commitment to engaging with his audience and fostering meaningful dialogue on important societal issues.
“It’s been a journey filled with challenges and triumphs, but I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my story and insights with the world,” Kujabi concluded.
“I look forward to continuing this journey and making a positive impact through my writing.”
“After The Badge” invites readers on a compelling journey through the heart and soul of law enforcement, offering profound reflections and invaluable insights that resonate far beyond the book’s pages.
