The Inspector General of Police, Mr. William Fayia Sellu has ordered the issuance of Identification (ID) Cards to Members of the Local Policing Partnership Board (LPPB) in all Divisions, across the country.
This decision came into effect after Divisional chairpersons of the LPPB in the Western Area, on Tuesday October 25, 2022, paid a courtesy call on the Inspector General of Police, at Police Headquarters, George Street, in Freetown.
According to Mr. Alhaji Algassimu Sesay, the LPPB Chairman Kissy Division, who spoke on behalf of Freetown-East Divisional chairpersons, the visit was to purposely congratulate the IGP on his appointment as Police boss, express to him their willingness and anxiety to work with him and to brief him about recent challenges they faced whilst collaborating with the Police in fighting crime.
One of the challenges he highlighted was the lack of recognition and poor or negative approach from Police Officers, especially from junior Police Officers.
Speaking on behalf of Freetown- West chairpersons, Mr. William Sao Lamin, the LPPB Chairman, Aberdeen Division made additional sentiments about the LPPB not being recognized as a vital crime fighting tool by government officials and other security stakeholders. He said he came up with this assertion after his findings prove that no LPPB member has ever been awarded in recognition of their contributions to security during events of national awards over the years. “We want recognition from government authorities”, Mr. Lamin emphasised.
The Inspector General of Police, while responding appreciated the move of the LPPB and assured them of his support and cooperation in fighting crime and anti-social activities in their various communities. He reminded them about the objective of the LPPB, which, he said, is to fight crime and not to condone it.
As a way of boosting recognition amongst their membership, the IGP then ordered that every active LPPB member, especially executive members must be issued with an Identification (ID) card. “At least this will increase recognition on their part, to not only Police Officers, but to government officials, as well as the public”, he noted. Mr. Sellu further requested the inclusion of Tribal Heads and religious leaders, which, he said, would make the LPPB rationale be more effective.
To further enhance their recognition, he also ordered that the LPPB should be inclusive of the Tasking and Coordinating Group (TCG) – the administrative body of every Police Division across the country.
Mr. Mustapha Kamara (AIG), who is the Director of Community Affairs of the SLP, on whose supervision is the LPPB was present and expressed similar thoughts of the IGP.
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