The Gambia Police Force, in collaboration with the International Police (INTERPOL) WAPIS Programme, is conducting ten-days awareness creation campaigns across the country
The event which runs from November 21st to 30th, across various regions nationwide is aimed at familiarizing officers with the WAPIS/AFIS system.
This system aims to empower West African law enforcement agencies in combating transnational crime and terrorism through more efficient information sharing.
Day One & Two (November 21-22) is for Banjul and Kanifing Regions
The campaign kicked off in Banjul and Kanifing Regions, commencing with Mr. Lamin N Bajinka, Director of WAPIS Gambia, expressing gratitude to the Minister and Security heads for their unwavering support in implementing the WAPIS/AFIS system. He acknowledged the funding by the European Union and the invaluable assistance of INTERPOL.
Regional Commissioners welcomed the campaign team, highlighting the project’s significance in enhancing law enforcement capabilities. They emphasized the importance of applying the knowledge gained from the sessions in their respective duty stations.
Mr. Carlos Gonzalez, INTERPOL Country Officer for WAPIS Programme, stressed the functionality of the WAPIS/AFIS system as an electronic national police information system facilitating the management and sharing of crime-related data.
This system aids in criminal identification and supports ongoing investigations, allowing officers in West African countries access to pertinent criminal database information. Funded by the European Union, the program is implemented by INTERPOL.
The event featured various presentations by resource persons, including Deputy Commissioner Pateh Bah, who discussed the WAPIS Programme’s implementation status in The Gambia. Additionally, CIP Momodou Sowe addressed the AFIS implementation stage, Inspector Malang Keita focused on the WAPIS database, and C/ASP Jacob Sambou presented the establishment of the Gambia Police Force International Affairs Unit (IAU).
The campaign continues in the West Coast Region on November 23rd.