By Makutu Manneh
Demba Sowe, the Deputy Inspector General of Police, has described social media as both a valuable tool and a growing challenge for law enforcement, saying its harmful effects currently outweigh its benefits.
Speaking in an interview on GRTS, Mr. Sowe said social media has become an important source of information for the police, allowing officers to monitor developments and gather information that can assist investigations and other operations.
But he warned that the rapid spread of misinformation and unverified claims can complicate police work and, in some cases, threaten public order.
Mr. Sowe expressed particular concern about people presenting opinions as facts or drawing conclusions without sufficient evidence. He urged social media users to verify information before sharing it and to avoid giving misleading interpretations to events they do not fully understand.
“You don’t want to be the person who creates havoc just because of the information you share,” Mr. Sowe said. “I think everybody should be cautioned. It is a collective responsibility. For all the security in this country put together is just a fraction of the population of the country, so meaning for the security to be effective, we need the public.”
Despite his concerns, Mr. Sowe acknowledged that social media has made some aspects of policing easier. Information about incidents that have not been formally reported to the police often appears online, he said, allowing officers to identify cases and respond more quickly.
That can be particularly useful in cases involving gender-based violence and other sensitive matters in which victims, witnesses, or relatives may be reluctant to approach the authorities directly, he added.
Mr. Sowe urged Gambians to provide law enforcement agencies with accurate information and to view public safety as a shared responsibility. He also cautioned against mob justice, saying citizens should allow the authorities to investigate allegations and follow established legal procedures.
He called on the public to play its part in preserving The Gambia’s reputation as the “Smiling Coast” by sharing information responsibly and cooperating with security agencies.
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