Police urge crime prevention and warn against mob justice

Police urge crime prevention and warn against mob justice

In a proactive move to enhance regional safety and bolster civil-police relations, the Community Relations Department of the Kenema Division held an outreach session with Muslim worshippers at the Police Barracks Mosque this past Friday.

The engagement, which took place prior to the afternoon prayers, centered on the critical themes of proactive crime prevention, the strategic value of community policing, and the severe legal and social ramifications of mob justice. Officers underscored the necessity of public participation, urging citizens to provide timely and credible information to help the Sierra Leone Police maintain public order.

Addressing the congregation, PC 19878 Kallon M. highlighted that safety is a shared obligation. "Community policing is a collaborative effort," Kallon stated, encouraging worshippers to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through official channels rather than resorting to independent action.

Furthering this message, Sergeant-Major Lansana Jajua of the Regional Criminal Investigation Department (RCID) issued a stern caution against the practice of mob justice. He characterized vigilantism as a criminal offense that undermines the rule of law and risks innocent lives. Jajua advised the public to entrust suspects to the police to ensure proper investigation and judicial processing.

The session concluded with the Community Relations Department reaffirming its commitment to ongoing public awareness campaigns.

This initiative is part of a broader strategy by the Sierra Leone Police to foster institutional trust and build durable partnerships in the fight against crime.