Disgruntled police officers react, as National Guard Takes Over
The Independent <http://www.qanet.gm/Independent/independent.html>  (Banjul)
June 26, 2000
Banjul - A number of police officers have expressed dismay over government's
decision to have the National Guards assume police duties, describing it as a
move to undermine the integrity of the police.
The disgruntled police officers who spoke to The Independent Wednesday
complained that giving the National Guards police duties simply indicated that
they are being stripped off their original functions. They noted that when they
learnt about the issue at first they thought it was 'just a mere rumour.' They
said that to their disbelief and dismay it was implemented.
The police officers stressed that if the National Guards are charged with the
responsibilities of controlling riot, combating drug-trafficking, cattle
rustling, money laundering, counterfeiting and service crimes it is 'useless to
have police officers around.'
'Let them just simply dissolve the police. If the function of the police is
taken away from them only because of malice then it is better for the police to
leave,' one of them suggested.
The officers also complained that from colonial times to date, the police have
been effectively carrying out their functions, developing a cordial relationship
between them and the civilian population. They feared that if the National
Guards are given police duties, civilians will suffer the consequences and may
be denied their fundamental human rights and freedom.
The officers called on the authorities concerned to reconsider the decision and
treat the police accordingly. 'This is totally upsetting and frightening. We are
a competent force. Our CID officers are among the best in the sub-region, so the
authorities should definitely revoke the decision,' another officer mused.
The police officers who said they serve in various sections of the Police Force
appealed to the government to change their opinion to that effect.
The department of State for Defence recently issued a statement, entrusting the
Gambia National Guards with limited police duties, which was reported to have
taken effect on April 7 - a date before the student demonstrations.
The statement indicated that the approval of the said memorandum necessitated an
amendment to the relevant section of the Gambia Armed Forces act to cater for
these responsibilities.
A cross-section of the general public have also criticised the statement as not
being in accordance with the rule of law and the spirit of the country's
constitution.
Bakary Janneh of Bakoteh, a local human rights activist told this reporter that
everyone was surprised at the statement. They accused the government of trying
to vindicate the security forces whom they held responsible for the student
killings of April 10 and 11.
When contacted, ex-Inspector General of Police Rex King directed this reporter
to the Police Public Relations Officer, Inspector Abdoulie Sanyang who said he
couldn't comment on the issue.

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