The Local Unit Commander (LUC) of the Kamakwie Police Division, Superintendent John S. Koroma, has called for stronger collaboration between communities and the Sierra Leone Police as part of ongoing efforts to enhance community-oriented policing and improve public trust in law enforcement.

Superintendent Koroma made the call during a sensitization outreach conducted on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at Makonray Village in Gbanti Chiefdom, where he engaged local authorities, community stakeholders, and youth representatives on issues relating to community safety and security.

The outreach forms part of the Sierra Leone Police’s transformation agenda aimed at repositioning the institution from a force-based organization to a service-oriented police service that works closely with communities to maintain peace and security.

Related News

Addressing participants, Superintendent Koroma emphasized the importance of cooperation between residents and the police in protecting communities from crime and other security threats. He educated community members on their roles and responsibilities in supporting law enforcement efforts, particularly in situations where police presence may be limited.

He encouraged residents to provide timely and reliable information to the police, noting that effective information sharing remains essential in preventing crime and maintaining public order.

The Police Commander further urged community members to actively participate in the delivery of quality policing services through continuous dialogue, consultation, and engagement on security matters affecting their chiefdom.

Representatives from all ten sections of Gbanti Chiefdom attended the meeting, including senior stakeholders and youth leaders, demonstrating what participants described as a collective commitment to supporting community policing initiatives in the area.

During the engagement, Superintendent Koroma also advocated for the establishment of a Local Policing Partnership Board (LPPB), which he described as an important platform for strengthening community participation in policing, building public confidence in law enforcement, and promoting informal conflict resolution mechanisms within communities.

According to the Police Commander, the success of community policing largely depends on the willingness of residents to work closely with law enforcement agencies and provide information that can assist in crime prevention and security management.

Referencing the mission statement of the Sierra Leone Police, Superintendent Koroma stressed the importance of valuing people and respecting community needs as key principles for strengthening police-community relations and enhancing public confidence in the police.

Responding on behalf of the people of Gbanti Chiefdom, Paramount Chief Honourable Alhaji Kandeh Paria II commended Superintendent Koroma and his team for extending the sensitization programme to the chiefdom.

The Paramount Chief, however, highlighted several challenges confronting the community, particularly the absence of a nearby police facility. He disclosed that the chiefdom has already identified land for the construction of a police post and appealed to the Sierra Leone Police to support the establishment of the facility.

He noted that residents currently travel considerable distances to access police services in Kamaranka Chiefdom, a situation he said continues to affect timely access to law enforcement services.

The meeting ended with participants expressing optimism about the future of community policing in Gbanti Chiefdom and reaffirming their commitment to supporting security efforts through effective and timely information sharing with the police.

The outreach reflects the Sierra Leone Police’s continued commitment to strengthening partnerships with communities and promoting inclusive approaches to maintaining peace, security, and public order across the country.