The Gambia Police Force (GPF) has warns its officers to refrain from publicly disparaging the institution, instead encouraging them to maintain the professional standards and discipline that are expected of service members.
The police raised alarm in a statement this week over what it called a growing tendency of active officers making public comments about the force’s operations, especially on social media.”A few current GPF members have publicly expressed their disapproval of the police’s recent actions. Such behavior goes against the expected discipline of serving officers and runs the danger of undermining public confidence,” the statement stated.
The Gambia Police Force wishes to inform the public that its doors remain open to suggestions, recommendations, and constructive criticism from individuals, groups, and organizations regarding its mandate of maintaining peace and security in the nation.
The Police leadership encourages any serving member with suggestions or recommendations to liaise directly with the Office of the Inspector General of Police through the proper channels.
However, the Police leadership has observed with concern that much of the criticism directed at the institution is subjective rather than objective, creating misunderstandings and encouraging individuals to act contrary to the law.
More concerning is the fact that some serving members of the GPF have engaged in public commentary disapproving of Police actions in recent incidents. Such conduct risks eroding public confidence and contradicts the expected discipline of serving officers.
Of particular note, Superintendent of Police David Kujabi, a former Public Relations Officer of the GPF, has on more than one occasion published personal opinions on social media platforms, including posts titled:
1. Are We Solving a Problem or Stoking a Fire that May Burn Us All
2. Conflict Sensitivity and Law Enforcement in The Gambia
In light of this, all members of the Gambia Police Force are reminded to strictly adhere to the terms and conditions of service and refrain from conduct unbecoming of serving officers.
The Police leadership strongly advises that officers remain guided by police ethics, loyalty, and respect for institutional processes. Public disagreements and unregulated commentary not only undermine the integrity of the Force but also compromise national peace and security. Serving members are therefore warned to conduct themselves responsibly, as violations will not be tolerated.
