Police Spokesman Clarifies IGP’s Crime Remarks Amid Public Concern Over Recent Killings

By Fatou Sillah

The Gambia Police Force has defended recent remarks by the Inspector General of Police suggesting that crime has declined in the country, saying the assessment was based on overall crime statistics rather than the recent spate of murder cases that has alarmed the public.

Speaking in an interview with QTV, the police spokesperson said official records indicate that overall crime has fallen compared with the same period last year, even as authorities acknowledge growing public concern over a number of alleged killings reported in June.

He said the Inspector General’s comments were intended to reflect broader crime trends and should not be interpreted as dismissing recent violent incidents, many of which involved alleged stabbings.

“The IGP did not say that there are no incidents of stabbing. What he’s trying to say in general is that when we compare crime incidents in this country with last year, this year there is a reduction,” the police spokesperson said.

The spokesman said the recent cases had prompted the police leadership to direct regional commissioners, formation commanders, and unit heads to strengthen security operations across the country.

He said the police had intensified patrols in collaboration with other security agencies, including the military, to increase visibility and reassure the public.

“There are already existing patrols ongoing, but because of these incidents, it’s important that we increase our presence. As a result, all sister services, including the military, are part of what we call our regional patrol. We have joint patrols nationwide,” he said.

The police also suggested that the widespread use of social media has contributed to a heightened perception of rising crime, as incidents are now reported and shared almost instantly, exposing the public to individual cases in real time.

The spokesperson said the role of the police is to respond to reported crimes, conduct investigations, arrest suspects where evidence permits, and submit completed case files for prosecution.

He noted that serious offences such as murder proceed through the courts after police investigations are concluded, with subsequent legal proceedings handled by the appropriate judicial authorities.

The police urged the public to rely on verified information and to understand the legal processes governing crime reporting, criminal investigations, and prosecutions, while assuring citizens that security agencies remain committed to addressing violent crime and maintaining public safety.