Recently, the Gambia Police Force arrested scores of suspected criminals who had always frequented some areas with a view to stealing – robbing – people of their belongings.
This was hailed as the police have a monumental role to play when it comes to protection of life and properties.
It was indeed strange that the crime rate in the country seemed to have surged in recent days and weeks. So, with great efforts and with the nurturing of community policing, our gallant officers have been able to register some successes.
Sometime ago, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency had also arrested tens of suspects. These suspects were said to be found with various amounts of various illicit drugs on the market. The drugs they were arrested with include marijuana, cocaine, heroin and some others that are as dangerous as any.
It is worthy to note that there is a close link between drugs and crimes. When drugs circulate we will observe increment in the crime rate in the country. It is therefore essential that measures be put in place to ensure that the proliferation of drugs in the country is put under control. This will reduce the number of crimes committed in the country.
Having said all that, it is unfathomable that after all the hard work, the police will do something that jeopardizes their work. The parading of the arrested individuals on national television goes against the dictates of the Rule of Law. There is this thing called ‘presumed innocent until proven guilty’ and as such the arrest of an individual is not the same as his/her guilt. That has to be established by a court of law.
