Air Field Police Engage Communities to Strengthen Security in Kenema

The Air Field Police Station in Kenema recently engaged community leaders from Burma, RTI, IDA, and Gombu communities in a consultative meeting aimed at enhancing community policing and reducing crime.

The meeting opened with remarks from Mr. Anthony Kamara, Chairman of the Local Policing Partnership Board (LPPB) in Kenema Division, who welcomed participants and emphasized that security is the foundation of all development. He urged community members to provide timely and vital information to support the police in maintaining peace and safety.

Superintendent Alhaji Bangura, who convened the session, formally introduced stakeholders to the Local Unit Commander (LUC), Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Emmanuel Kpulun. Bangura highlighted that community engagement has long been a part of policing efforts and encouraged open dialogue to address pressing security concerns.

Chief Steven Saffa of the Burma Community praised the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) for their proactive role in combating drug-related issues, while Madam Kadie Lahai, women’s leader in Burma, lauded the police for protecting children from the negative impacts of illicit substances.

In his keynote address, CSP Kpulun emphasized the importance of community involvement in policing, explaining that it is crucial for deterring crime and promoting stability in Kenema Division. He outlined the SLP Strategic Development Plan (SDP) and described the ongoing transformation of the police from a “force” to a “service,” stressing that effective community policing is central to this initiative.

CSP Kpulun also encouraged community support for Community Safety Volunteers (CSVs), whose services are voluntary, and assured residents of strengthened security measures under his leadership. He reminded attendees of their lawful powers in maintaining community safety and reiterated the importance of cooperation between citizens and the police.

The session concluded with a series of questions and recommendations from community members, aimed at fostering peace, improving safety, and reinforcing partnerships between the police and the communities they serve.