By Marilyn King
FREETOWN, July 14 (SALONE TIMES) – The Independent Police Complaints Board (IPCB) on Thursday 8th July 2021, held a training on the Guidelines on the conditions of arrests, police custody and pre-trials Detention in Africa, from July to August. This event took place at the IPCB Office, New England Ville, Freetown.
Speaking at the event the Rule of Law Program specialist, UNDP, Walter Neba Chenwi Esq, said that when talking about the right of Police, definitely they will talk about the personality of Police, he furthered that the police should know how to use force and not to use force on civilians. He explained that when any police officer has the right to arrest civilian, they should not put themselves in danger when using fire arm and also make sure they ask for re- enforcement. He maintained that the IPCB are doing Community Policy and this is a key role that the police come together with civilians in supporting police in their work. If the police do not have the support in the community, the community will not support the police when they want to arrest someone. He continued that the more the police become closer to the community, the community will know that the police are their Friends, and working in their interest. He said the police should always be the force for good and thanked the IPCB for their work.
The Chairman of IPCB, Richard Shealton Freema, said that if there is a public disorder and the police do not intervene on time, there would be inaction, and that will get out of hands and the police will responsible for that. He also said that police work is really not easy. He talked to the police officers to always do their Job seriously and protect the lives and properties of civilians. He also said some of the police officers will be posted in different areas. He thanked the UNDP for their support to IPCB even at the time of COVID-19.
