By: Kebba Ansu Manneh
Seedy Touray, the Inspector General of the Gambia Police Force (GPF), has stated that business people who donate to the police will not be immune from prosecution if they break the law. He emphasized that nobody will be exempt from the law, as the police are committed to treating everyone equally.
Addressing the media in his second major press conference since his appointment earlier this year, he presided over a press conference at Police Headquarters in Banjul on Friday, September 21st, 2024challenges of the Gambithe a Police Force.
“If a business tycoon deems it necessary to support the operation of the police by donating us with ten vehicles, I will willingly and gallantly accept it and ensure that it’s publicized. But suppose a businessman thinks that by donating to the Gambia Police Force with ten vehicles, you can take whatever you feel contravenes the law. In that case, we are here waiting for you (businessman),” IGP Touray told the media.
He highlighted that the Government cannot do it alone and that stakeholders should support the police through their corporate social responsibility (CSR). He added that such donations don’t deter any businessman from prosecution if they commit crimes that contradict the country’s laws.
The Police IGP refutes claims of any family relationship with President Adama Barrow in any way or form, arguing that the President is from Mangkamang Kunda in the Upper River Region (URR) while he is from Pirang in the West Coast Region.
On capacity building programs for the teeming police officers, IGP Touray revealed that the police would not relent in providing the needed training for the police officers, noting that seven officers will soon leave for Turkey to horned their skills, while efforts are on course to start a diploma in police science course at the University of The Gambia (UTG) geared towards making the police more effective and efficient in their day to day operations.
“One of the landmark achievements during this period was the validation of the GPF Bill 2024, setting the foundation for modern policing standards in the country. Furthermore, the GPF made a groundbreaking advancement by establishing a fully functional forensic DNA lab, a first in the Force’s over 100-year history,” IGP Touray further disclosed to the press.
He added, “This development allows for faster case resolution and significantly enhances the GPF’s investigative capacity.”
According to him, GPF has distributed 34 sets of office furniture to various police stations, improving working conditions for officers and thus enhancing the Force’s operational ability. He notes that the acquisition of nine brand-new vehicles and the re-engineering of 13 vehicles have also improved mobility and bolstered the Force’s capacity to respond to emergencies.
The IGP acknowledged that despite the successes, several challenges continue to face the GPF, including shortages of vehicles, which affect response times, stressing that there is an urgent need to transition from paper-based operations to digital systems for better efficiency and effectiveness of the police.
“The provision of uniforms is another pressing issue, as the GPF strives to equip all officers with additional pairs of uniforms to ensure better professional turnout. Furthermore, officers require more protective gear, including uniforms, tasers, pepper sprays, and firearms, to ensure their safety and enhance their ability to carry out operations effectively,” IGP Touray outlined key challenges.
He added: “GPF is committed to continuous improvement. The Force plans to enhance its forensic and ballistic capabilities through further training and aims to launch the Police Integrated Information Management System (PIIMS) to increase operational efficiency. Additionally, in collaboration with international partners, the GPF will construct six new model police stations to further strengthen the Force’s infrastructure.”
The Police IGP finally appealed to all Gambians to put their hands on the deck to support the GPF in its mission to make The Gambia a safer place for all citizens, regardless of race, gender, social status, creed, or political affiliation, while reiterating the Force’s unwavering commitment to serving and protecting the people of The Gambia.
