By Mohamed Foday Conteh
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Ambrose Sovula has commended the Local Policing Partnership Board (LPPB) for their effort in assisting the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) in curbing crime in the nation.
The IGP was addressing members of the West Division of the LPPB at their monthly meeting on the 28th August 2021 held at the Family Kingdom, Aberdeen in Freetown.
IG Sovula noted that the SLP and LPPB are fighting a common cause and that collaboration between the two is important. “The only difference is that one is receiving salary from the government and the other is not,” he stated.
Superintendent Edna Sylva from the SLP’s Community Relations Department stressed the importance of the board as a conduit between the SLP and the local population. She affirmed that crime rate is currently slightly on the low in the nation and that the board deserved commendation. She added that the LPPB’s Community Safety Volunteers (CSV) are normally the first responders in stopping crime or apprehending criminals.
Chairman of the LPPB Aberdeen Division, William Sao-Lamin also affirmed that since the inception of the LPPB, crime rates have reduced over the years. He noted that the LPPB and specifically Aberdeen Division has been assisting the SLP with the necessary logistics. He affirmed that support has come from committed individuals of the LPPB and other goodwill ambassadors.
Amara Bangura, Chairman of LPPB Congo Cross Division said that the board has been an apolitical and independent organisation. He drew reference from Member of Parliament Marray Conteh who was a member of the LPPB Congo Cross Division. He affirmed that Conteh was asked to leave the board before contesting the elections in 2018. He also added that the LPPB has also been assisting in the fight against COVID-19 after receiving aid from Cordaid.
Alhaji Hassan Kamara, Chairman of the LPPB Central Division noted there has been a lack of participation and collaboration from officers at the higher cadre of the force. He said that that has affected the LPPB’s performance from some of its members because the senior officers serve as motivation to the board’s membership.
Chairman of the LPPB’s Lumley Division, Chief Francis Kandeh said that lack of Identify Cards has been an issue for a while now. He also suggested that members of parliament and local councillors should be members of the LPPB. This, he said, will aid them to further understand their constituencies and wards. He also noted that the LPPD should also be cognisant of the welfare of its membership.
Momoh Ajati Bangura, Chairman of Mountain Division said that the Community Relations Department of the SLP is one of the most challenging departments of the SLP. He added that officers at the said department are sometimes constrained with certain logistics to carry out their duties. He pleaded with the SLP to be recognisant of the list of hardworking officers at the said department they have recommended for promotion.
The LPPB West is made up of five divisions including Central, Congo Cross, Aberdeen, Mountain, Lumley and Goderich.
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