You see them everywhere, looking smart and businesslike. They are the young female police officers. In almost all the intersections in the Greater Banjul Area, they are the ones controlling the traffic. And they do it with gusto, clearly enjoying the job. Their politeness and zeal are what keep them on top of the job. No driver messes with them. They know what they are there for, and they know how to go about it, too.

At first, it is their youthfulness that captivates you, making you wonder how the Gambia Police Force was able to recruit such a fine breed of women to do the job they are doing - and excellently for that matter. For those who commute between Banjul and Brikama on a daily basis, these young police officers are a daily source of excitement. They are brisk about the job, blowing the whistle whenever it is necessary. But they hardly resort to that in that a mere wave of the hand is enough to make reckless drivers behave themselves. For inexplicable reasons, male drivers tend to respect the young female police officers more than they do the male ones!  Two drivers got into a quarrel the other day over the right of way in the presence of a policeman, who appeared helpless. But the moment a policewoman stepped in, they quickly resolved their differences and got on with business, as usual. Could this be a reason why the police high command decided to have them on the road? Don’t laugh.

We don’t know why the police force has suddenly become so attractive to our young girls. But we are happy to see that they are engaged in something meaningful that contributes to the overall development of our country. Seen in this light, they need to be motivated. Those of them who show the aptitude should be sent for further studies. And they should be well compensated so that they don’t get induced by material gifts to do the wrong thing. When this is done, they will become role models for others to take up a career in the service. And hopefully, we shall sooner or later, preferably sooner, have a female Inspector General of Police.