The Inspector General of Police, Seedy Mukhtar Touray, on Friday, September 20, held a press conference to provide updates on the Gambia Police Force’s (GPF) vision, achievements, and ongoing efforts to ensure safety and security across the country. He reaffirmed that the GPF remains steadfast in its commitment to becoming a professional and accountable public service, dedicated to respecting human rights and upholding the rule of law.
To fulfill this vision, the GPF has deployed several strategic initiatives aimed at ensuring safe communities throughout The Gambia. These strategies include intelligence-led policing, robust day and night patrols to prevent crimes, continuous training of officers, and the strategic deployment of personnel from the Police Intervention Unit (PIU) and the Anti-Crime Unit (ACU). Additionally, the GPF continues to provide armed support, protect VIPs, and implement road safety initiatives as part of its comprehensive approach to law enforcement.
During the press conference, IGP Touray highlighted key achievements that reflect the success of these strategies. Notably, major crimes in the country decreased from 63 cases in the second quarter of 2023 to 46 cases in the second quarter of 2024, thanks to enhanced patrols and strong partnerships with stakeholders. In terms of road safety, traffic accidents saw a significant reduction from 278 incidents in Q2 2023 to 151 in Q2 2024. This improvement is attributed to the establishment of highway patrols and the presence of checkpoints.
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 with the establishment of a fully functional forensic DNA lab, a first in the Force’s over 100-year history. This development allows for faster resolution of cases and significantly enhances the investigative capacity of the GPF.
In terms of operational enhancements, the GPF distributed 34 sets of office furniture to various police stations, improving working conditions for officers. The acquisition of nine brand-new vehicles, along with the re-engineering of 13 vehicles, has also improved mobility and bolstered the Force’s capacity to respond to emergencies.
Despite these successes, the IGP acknowledged several challenges the GPF continues to face. The Force is still dealing with a shortage of vehicles, which affects response times, and there is an urgent need to transition from paper-based operations to digital systems for better efficiency. 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.
Looking ahead, the 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, the GPF, in collaboration with international partners, will construct six new model police stations to further strengthen the Force’s infrastructure.
In his concluding remarks, IGP Touray made a heartfelt appeal to all Gambians, urging them to continue supporting 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. The IGP reiterated the Force’s unwavering commitment to serving and protecting the people of The Gambia.
