Kenema Police Lead Educational Engagement at Dorwaila Comprehensive Secondary School

The Local Unit Commander, Kenema Division, Chief Superintendent Emmanuel Kpulun, on Tuesday led an interactive school education session at Dorwaila Comprehensive Secondary School in Kenema City, aimed at fostering positive relationships between the Sierra Leone Police and students.

The session was moderated by Sub-Inspector Brima James Musa, Regional Media Officer East, and brought together pupils, teachers, and police personnel.

In his opening address, Chief Superintendent Kpulun commended the school administration and students for their warm reception. He highlighted the ongoing transition of the Sierra Leone Police from a Force to a Service, emphasizing that the reform seeks to build trust and strengthen community relationships. He described the new policing approach as a “master–servant partnership,” in which the public are the masters and the police exist to serve and protect them.

The police chief also strongly cautioned pupils to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to drugs and drug-related activities, urging them to report any suspicious behavior to school authorities. He further advised students to abstain from anti-social conduct, including truancy, fighting, bullying, gang association, theft, sexual misconduct, and loitering outside school premises during school hours, warning that such actions could jeopardize their future and undermine discipline.

During the session, Sergeant 476 Lebbie Francis, Supervisor of the Sexual Assault Syndicate (SAS), Family Support Unit, Kenema Division, educated students and teachers on the amended Sexual Offences Act of 2019. He stressed that the law applies to both minors and adults, with strict sentencing guidelines and severe penalties for offenders.

Additionally, Sergeant Mariama Bockarie of the Regional Community Relations Department reminded pupils to remain within school premises during official hours. She disclosed that a special police operation has been launched to apprehend any student found leaving school unlawfully, part of ongoing efforts to curb truancy and protect students from external risks.

The session concluded positively with a vote of thanks delivered by the Head Girl, who expressed gratitude to the police for their timely and educative engagement.