Kenema Police Engage Community Stakeholders to Strengthen Local Security

Kenema Police Engage Community Stakeholders to Strengthen Local Security

On Sunday, July 12, 2026, the Kenema Police Division convened a key security meeting with members of the Area Policing Partnership Committees (APPC), Heads of Community Safety Volunteers (CSV), and local journalists to foster collaboration and address regional crime concerns.

The engagement aimed to educate community stakeholders on proactive ways to support the Sierra Leone Police in maintaining peace and order. A central focus of the discussion was clarifying the role of Community Safety Volunteers; officers emphasized that while volunteers are authorized to apprehend suspects when necessary, they must hand individuals over to the police within 24 hours.

Addressing local youth, police representatives strongly discouraged the use of mob justice, urging community members to rely on established legal channels.

Officials also highlighted the strategic importance of the 36 police divisions now established across Sierra Leone—including the Kenema Division—as part of a broader commitment to enhancing public safety services. 

Traditional leaders and community members were called upon to offer their full support to the Community Safety Volunteers in their efforts to secure their neighborhoods.

The initiative was well-received by attendees, who expressed confidence that closer cooperation between law enforcement, community volunteers, and residents will lead to a significant reduction in crime and a safer environment across Kenema.