Police officers of the Harbour Division at Cline Town have been schooled on how to bolster and bridge the gap between the police and the community through community engagement and other tools.

The training was facilitated by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) of the United States Department of State.

The police officers received lectures conducted by the Strategic Capacity Group on how to narrow the gap between the force and community people and how to also engage the community for symbiotic benefits.

During the training, lack of communication, arbitrary arrests, over-detention and unfair treatment among others are some of the reasons that force communities not to cooperate with the police.

Speaking during the training, Police Constable A.R. Bangura stated that the police must ensure that they embark on community engagement, and community policing through inclusivity and transparency.

The Local Unit Commander of the Division, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Dennis Musa lectured on his experience and the duties of a police officer at accident scenes.

Some members of the public believe that a good relationship between the police and the public is essential especially as the country will go into elections in a few months.