Police crime assessments have shown that criminals tend to commit more heinous crimes during the festive seasons in our communities. This is a time when people travel to different places to celebrate with their loved ones, but it also attracts an influx of criminals to our localities.
To address this unfortunate situation, the Community Relations Department in collaboration with the Operations Department of Kenema Division organized a productive security meeting on the 11th and 12th of November 2023 in Cambuwabu and Helegbema Communities respectively. The meeting, chaired by Sub-Inspector Brima James Musa, Head of Community Relations Department (CRD) Eastern Region, was attended by chiefs and members of the community.
In his opening remarks, Sub-Inspector Musa highlighted that the purpose of the meeting was to find effective ways to combat crime and alleviate the fears of communities within Kenema City and its surroundings. He emphasized that community policing has greatly contributed to the reduction of crime in the past years, as it enables prompt information sharing between the police and community members regarding criminal activities in their areas. Sub-Inspector Musa urged the chiefs to select individuals who are trustworthy and willing to actively participate in community policing efforts, as the police cannot tolerate anyone with a criminal background.
Addressing security concerns, Inspector Mohamed Corneh, Operations Officer of Kenema Division, stated that security matters are a collective responsibility and the police heavily rely on the community for information sharing and other relevant issues. He emphasized the need to break down any barriers between the police and the community, encouraging everyone to work together in combating crime for the peaceful existence of their communities.
Chief Bindi, in his welcoming address, expressed gratitude to the police for their prompt intervention in protecting their communities against criminals and their activities. However, he highlighted that his community, being a remote area of Kenema City, requires a police post within Cambuwabu for easy access and quick response.
Similar sentiments were echoed by Chief Bockarie of Koyagbema Community and other speakers present at the meeting.