The Gambia Police Force, through the Gender and Child Protection Unit, Community Policing Unit, Prosecution and Legal Affairs Unit, Cybercrime Unit, and the Police Scientific Support Unit, on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, continued its proactive school and community outreach in the Central River Region (CRR) as part of the Zero Tolerance Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) campaign.
Day Three of the outreach covered Sareh Malaw Basic Cycle School, Kuntaur Upper Basic School, and the Kuntaur community, focusing on prevention, awareness, and partnership-driven policing.
During the engagements, officers sensitised students and community members on child protection, sexual and gender-based violence (including child marriage), evidence preservation, and cyber safety, while emphasising early reporting and shared responsibility for public safety.
Speaking during the sessions, Corporal Foday Nyassi highlighted the importance of community policing as a proactive crime-prevention mechanism. He stressed the need for strong partnerships between the Police and the community and encouraged students to report all forms of crime to ensure a safer environment for all.
From the Gender and Child Protection Unit, Superintendent Mary Sibi Jatta and Corporal Awa Jallow addressed issues relating to child marriage and sexual and gender-based violence, highlighting the serious consequences of remaining silent. They educated students on their rights and emphasised confidential reporting channels, including the toll-free 1313 helpline, urging victims and witnesses to speak up against abuse.
Sub-Inspector Pa Ousainou Njie of the Cybercrime Unit cautioned students on the dangers associated with possessing and sharing nude photographs, particularly involving minors. He outlined online risks such as cyberbullying, privacy violations, scams, and the permanence of digital content, and encouraged responsible and safe online behaviour.
From the Police Scientific Support Unit, ASP Jallow educated participants on the importance of preserving evidence in sexual and gender-based violence cases. He advised victims not to wash, clean clothing, or delete messages after an incident, noting that timely reporting and proper evidence handling are critical to successful investigations.
ASP Alpha Badjie of the Prosecution and Legal Affairs Unit highlighted the legal consequences of sexual and gender-based violence, including criminal liability and penalties for offences such as rape, child marriage, and unwanted sexual advances. He emphasised that minors cannot legally give informed consent and encouraged timely reporting to enable the effective gathering of evidence for successful prosecution of offenders.
All speakers reiterated the importance of police–community partnership in enhancing public safety and preventing crime.
Sergeant Barry of the Kuntaur Police Gender Unit further emphasised the role of sustained collaboration between the Police and the community in effective crime prevention and protection of vulnerable groups.
The Gambia Police Force reiterates its commitment to protecting children, promoting safer learning environments, and strengthening partnerships with schools and communities nationwide, as the Zero Tolerance Against Gender-Based Violence campaign continues.
About the Author
