In partnership with the UNDP and UN Standing Police Capacity Brindisi, the Gambia Police Force has trained over 120 Police officers across the country on election security.
The first phase of this capacity building which was a TOT was held at the GPF Credit Union premises from 14 to 18 March 2022 targeting the Police Chiefs of Operation of the various Administrative Regions of the country.
The purpose of the Training is to enhance the capacities of the GPF personnel in responding to the task of policing elections in a democratic setting, especially in view of the forthcoming Parliamentary election.
The TOT on Election Security therefore is to equip the Police Chiefs of Operation in the Regions with the requisite knowledge and skills in policing the election process. The topics covered during the course included important stages of the electioneering process, and Ethical Code of Conduct for Police officers in Policing Elections, Gambia Electoral law, Electoral offences, Public Order Management for Elections, Oversight and Accountability Mechanisms and Conflict Management, among others.
Following successful delivery of the TOT, a country-wide rollout training of same course was planned for the entire regions, starting 19 March 2022 at LRR Mansakonko and ending 30th March 2022 at Basse, URR.
Speaking to this reporter, CSP Foday Fofana, head of the GPF’s Policy Planning and Training Coordination unit revealed that the Training was sponsored by UNDP Gambia supported by a Police Reform specialist from UN SPC, Brindisi Italy) in the person of Mr. Odia Godfrey Aropet.
He further stated that the training is relevant and timely, considering the crucial role the Police would be playing in the forthcoming NA elections.
On behalf of the IGP and SMT of the GPF, he thanked the UNDP and other partners for the immense support towards the capacity building efforts of the GPF.
For his part, the UNDP consultant expressed delight in working with the officers and members of the GPF, noting that the training in Election Security would go a long way in improving and strengthening the professionalism and integrity of the GPF in being a vital player in the management of election matters in the Gambia.
He re-echoed the crucial role the Police plays in the consolidation of democracy and rule of law, and further thanked the GPF leadership for their foresight and good management.