School Partners with Police for Anti-Crime and Drug Awareness

School Partners with Police for Anti-Crime and Drug Awareness

The Community Relations Department of the Sierra Leone Police, in partnership with the Family Support Unit (FSU) of the Kenema Division, successfully extended its school sensitization initiative to the Islamic Secondary School in Kenema. This effort underscores the Sierra Leone Police's strategic commitment to strengthening community partnerships and fostering safer environments through education and collaborative awareness.

During the session, Police Constable Musa Kallon educated students on the detrimental effects of illicit drugs, specifically focusing on the commonly abused substances Kush and Tramadol. He detailed the severe health risks associated with drug misuse and elucidated the legal ramifications for individuals involved in the use, sale, or distribution of these controlled substances. PC Kallon emphasized the critical role students can play as valuable partners in crime prevention by proactively sharing credible information with the police, thereby significantly contributing to the reduction of criminal activities within their communities.

Addressing issues of gender and inclusivity, Police Constable Alice Agatha Nyagua spoke on the importance of gender equity and equality as cornerstones of a democratic society. She highlighted that developed and progressive nations actively promote gender sensitivity and ensure the robust participation of women in leadership and decision-making roles. Encouraging the female student body, she urged them to maintain focus on their academic pursuits and resist distractions that could impede their educational and career aspirations, affirming, "Your educational attainment is the key to achieving your personal ambitions."

Furthermore, Sergeant Francis Lebbie briefed the students on key provisions of the Sexual Offences Amendment Act, clarifying offenses such as sexual harassment, sexual touching, and engaging with a child for sexual purposes. He stressed that sexual offenses constitute grave criminal acts with severe legal penalties for perpetrators, underscoring the necessity for young people to fully understand and adhere to the law.

The interactive engagement concluded with students actively participating in a question-and-answer session and sharing their perspectives. Many students expressed their gratitude for the informative engagement and advocated for the continuation of such educational and life-changing sensitization programs by the Sierra Leone Police. The school administration and students collectively reaffirmed their readiness to cooperate with law enforcement by reporting any suspicious activities that could potentially compromise the peace and security of their community.