By: Fatmata Grace Okekearu – Bo City
In a landmark effort to enhance trust and cooperation between the Police and local communities, Chief Superintendent of Police Joseph Honor Kamara, Local Unit Commander (LUC) of Bo West Division, on Wednesday, 30th July 2025, led a historic community engagement meeting in Gondama Village, Bo District.
The event, the first of its kind in the village’s history, was chaired by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Alimamy Libo Bangura, the Division’s Support Officer. In his opening remarks, ASP Bangura lauded the initiative as a crucial step in aligning with the Inspector General of Police’s vision to transform the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) into a service-oriented institution focused on responsiveness and public trust.
“The Inspector General’s vision is to shift public perception of the Police from a force that instills fear to one that delivers service,” said ASP Bangura. “Today’s meeting is a living example of that transformation.”
In his address, LUC Kamara emphasized that his visit was part of a deliberate strategy to engage directly with communities, understand their challenges, and work in partnership to fight crime. He particularly noted the importance of collaboration during the rainy season, a period often associated with an increase in petty theft and related crimes.
“This meeting is not just about us talking to you it’s about listening to you,” LUC Kamara said. “We want to hear your concerns, what’s working, and what needs improvement. Your input is vital to building a safer and more peaceful community.”
Acknowledging the limited manpower within the Police force, LUC Kamara stressed the need for collective vigilance and community cooperation in reporting suspicious behavior and helping to apprehend suspects where appropriate.
“The Police cannot be everywhere at once,” he noted. “But if we work together, we can curb crime and improve safety in all neighbourhoods.”
In response, Section Chief Kanneh of Gondama expressed heartfelt gratitude, describing the engagement as a historic and much-needed intervention in community policing. He commended LUC Kamara and his team for introducing a new model of policing based on communication, transparency, and partnership.
“This is the first time such a thing has happened here,” Chief Kanneh stated. “We are deeply appreciative. This kind of proactive and listening-based policing earns our trust and strengthens our community.”
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment between the Police and the Gondama community to sustain regular dialogue and foster a joint approach to peacebuilding, crime prevention, and local development.
