Editorial,

The police are a fundamental social institution  with the primary role of enhancing peace and security in the society. However, more often than not, the police find themselves in controversial circumstances in their interaction with the general public. Many a times, the public confronts the police, complaining of police transgressions and brutalities and in some other instances call for increased police protection thereby recognizing their efforts and important roles.

The police, as a social institution, seem to be caught between these two extremes; trying to balance liberty with security. Nevertheless, it is undisputable that the police are instrumental in shaping the attitudes of people in society. This is because the police do not only serve as law enforcement agents or putting a check on social crimes; they are among those whom  people look up to for patriotic inspiration and as models in nation building.

Officially, the core functions of the police include enforcing the law, keeping peace and protecting life and property. In carrying out these functions the police have some amount of discretion. How this discretion is used and how the various police roles are prioritized will have an impact on the community.

The Gambia Police Force has advanced greatly in fulfilling that aspect. Of recent, community based policing was established and is currently in effect. Higher recruiting standards and practices have been put in place to filter out the corrupt and low standard practices. Better police training is being provided and the agency is placing aggressive crime fighting into the hands of specialized units with greater experience.

Increased minority representation, increased female representation, more skilled, educated, trained officers, and better organization have developed our police force more than ever before. As a result, there are fewer complaints and fewer lawsuits. The police have developed a relationship with citizens within the communities they work and patrol. Programs are tailored that place the police officer as a "problem solver" and lead them to focus on dealing with specific problems. Support from the central government has enabled them to access better equipment to help the community.

The donation of farm produce to the Jammeh Foundation for Peace by our police force manifests that they are not in any way left behind in the development of the nation. The farm produce which will be used for the benefit of the less privileged will go a long way in promoting social well-being. "The police are the community and the community is the police" is a slogan that our police are proving true and in the process are showing that it is not just a slogan.

We hope the other security units will follow this good initiative of the police. Such actions show that the back-to-the-land scheme, if efficiently utilized, can be the bedrock of our development.

On the part of the general civilian population, we should endeavor to continue to support and cooperate with the police in the maintenance of our peace and security.