By Anthony Newman Levey
The Southern Region of Sierra Leone now has a new Police boss. She is Commissioner of Police (CP) Halary Sao Kanu. She explained to Politico about her level of preparedness in providing the people of the region with better security.
The officer said her first task is to engage commanders in the four districts in the region on the way and manner she would want the residents in the south to be policed.
She said that she will also engage traditional leaders in their various communities and noted that the only way the force can make progress and provide better security is by working with the community.
Speaking on the area of manning checkpoints in the region, Kanu said her personnel at the different checkpoints will not only examine vehicles but will also thoroughly check motor bikes; stating that recently bike seats have been hiding places for the transportation of weapons.
She stated that the police will continue to monitor the border entry points and would ensure her personnel within the border areas work with local authorities.
When asked about public concerns on prolonged investigations, the Commissioner explained that some complainants do not show up after filing report. Others whose complaints are countered then have to be investigated and sent to state counsel for legal advice.
Commissioner Kanu said that they have vehicles though they are not too good but noted that one can get all the vehicles but if you lack community participation in your operations ,you will not succeed.
“When you involve the community people, you do not need a vehicle to patrol. It is just a communication. They can arrest bad people, call us then we pick them up", the officer stated.
When asked about the chiefdoms that are without paramount chiefs, posing security threats, she said there are provincial security coordinator meetings (PROSC) that address such cases.
CP Kanu said as a woman occupying the position of head of police in the south, she has no fear at all because she has worked at places like Kissy divisional headquarters in Freetown even though Bo is bigger, citing how there are tough criminals in the Kissy community she handled well.
Having worked at Kissy for 4 years, she claimed to have left a positive impression before coming to Bo in acting capacity. Kanu stated that she brought the community close to the police at Kissy and she will bring to the south the experienced she has gained in the police force over the years.
She concluded by calling on the people of the region to work with her personnel to provide good security, adding that her doors are open to everyone.
Copyright © 2022 Politico Online (16/02/22)
