By Adama Makasuba
Police have launched a war on crime which commands all police men and women in uniform to be on patrol to battle insecurity in the country.
The move comes amid growing number of murders, robberies, and rapes. It also comes months into a joint security operation to curb crime, which saw hundreds of people arrested.
In a statement the chief commanded that “henceforth, all off days are ceased until further notice,” adding “this includes all personnel regardless of formulation/unit.”
It also asked regional commissioners to intensify “foot and vehicular patrols.”
Meanwhile, the police chief Abdoulie Sanyang said: “If you look at last year’s crime in the first quarter, it is about seven or eight but in this first quarter, we only have four. Why people are complaining is because we have three murder cases like in three, four days. Like the one that happened in Mandinari, the one that happened at Jeshwang and the armed robbery at Jeshwang too.
“People can die. You may suspect foul play but we have to confirm whether it’s a murder case or its foul play. But as far as we are concerned, since the beginning of this year, we only have four murder cases. As far as the first quarter is concerned, compared to last year, it’s (crime) going down. We are out to take back the space.”
However, Dr Ismaila Ceesay, who leads the opposition Citizens’ Alliance, has again dismissed joint security patrol dubbed ‘Operation Zero Crime’ which seeks to battle the growing crime rate as a “makeshift.”
“Operation Zero Crime” unleashed by Police to curb rising crime is a makeshift rather than a permanent measure. Prison reform, investing in mental health, investing in young people (skills training and jobs), and initiating modern law enforcement operational strategies are key solutions for crime prevention.
“Crimes in the 21st century require 21st-century policing techniques to prevent and solve. Equally important, administering mob justice on alleged criminals indicates that citizens lack confidence in the criminal justice system. This leads to a breakdown of authority with dangerous consequences. Law enforcement must be equipped, empowered, and trusted to maintain the Rule of Law,” he said.
