Kenema Police Launch School Crime Prevention Campaign
As part of its sustained efforts to strengthen community policing and promote a culture of crime prevention among young people, the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), Eastern Region, has extended its school sensitization campaign to two secondary schools in Kenema City: Methodist Secondary School and Saint James Secondary School.
The sensitization exercise was led by the Local Unit Commander (LUC) of Kenema Division, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Osman Kamara, alongside a team of police officers from the Eastern Regional Police Headquarters. The engagement provided pupils and teaching staff with valuable knowledge on crime prevention, gender equality, sexual offences, drug abuse, and their responsibilities in maintaining a safe society.
Introducing the visiting police delegation to the school administrations, PC 19878 Kallon Musa from the Police Media and Community Relations Department (CRD), Kenema Division, expressed sincere appreciation to the heads and management of both institutions for welcoming the initiative and demonstrating their commitment to partnering with law enforcement in the fight against crime.
He highlighted the importance of cooperation between schools, communities, and police agencies in addressing criminal activities, while also educating pupils on the concept of civilian arrest and explaining the circumstances under which members of the public may lawfully assist in apprehending suspected offenders.
Addressing gender equality and protection, the Eastern Region Police Gender Focal Person, PC 19106 Alice Agatha Nyagua, delivered an insightful presentation on gender implementation and its relevance to everyday life, emphasizing equal opportunities, mutual respect, fairness, and the protection of individual rights regardless of gender. She further encouraged pupils to reject discrimination, abuse, and harmful social practices within their schools, homes, and communities.
In a presentation on sexual offences, Inspector Francis Lebbie, in charge of the Sexual Assault Syndicate (SAS) of the Family Support Unit (FSU), provided detailed information on the Sexual Offences Act of 2019. He educated pupils on various forms of sexual offences, the legal consequences for perpetrators, and the importance of respecting personal boundaries and obtaining consent, particularly cautioning students against sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment.
Similarly, Sub-Inspector Salifu Mansaray of the Transnational Organised Crime Unit (TOCU) highlighted the dangers and far-reaching consequences of drug abuse and illicit drug-related activities. He explained how prohibited substances negatively affect students' physical and mental well-being, academic performance, and future aspirations, while warning against drug trafficking, possession, and distribution, and urging pupils to resist negative peer pressure.
In his keynote address, CSP Osman Kamara delivered a strong security message, encouraging pupils to become disciplined, responsible, and law-abiding citizens. Reminding them that the future of every nation depends largely on the values and choices of its youth, CSP Kamara urged students to prioritize their education, respect authority, avoid bad company, and refrain from activities that could jeopardize their future. He also called on school authorities to maintain close collaboration with the police by promptly sharing relevant security information to help prevent crime.
CSP Kamara reaffirmed the commitment of the Sierra Leone Police to maintaining peace and security throughout Kenema Division, assuring school administrations and students of continued support.
The exercise concluded with renewed calls for stronger police-school partnerships, reinforcing the message that crime prevention is a collective responsibility and that young people must be empowered to build a safer society.
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