The European Union supports the drafting of The Gambia’s first Police Doctrine as part of its support to the Gambian Security Sector Reform Process
Following series of consultative missions undertaken in 2017 as part of its strategic support to the Security Sector Reform (SSR) process in The Gambia, the European Union (EU) has appointed DCAF (Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance) to implement a 1.6 mEuro program (2021-2023). The objective of the program is to support the Gambian Police Force (GPF) in its efforts to pursue an inclusive SSR process and to strengthen the civilian oversight of SSR reform, through additional support to parliament, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the media.
The program emphasizes on the principle of local ownership by channeling the iterative design of activities through a joint planning process with national counterparts and ensuring that locally defined priorities and needs are taken into context. It aims to ensure that the GPF is more effective in upholding civilian security at individual and community levels, with due regard to international Human Rights standards.
A key element of the process is the development of a Police Doctrine for the GPF that meet international standards, which is a vital component of a modern police force. It provides a clear Vision for policing - the standards and goals that are to be achieved by a professional and accountable Police Force. It outlines the Mission of policing – the role and responsibility of a police force, which includes protecting and serving the public. These are underpinned by the Values of the organisation and the culture of its members, which include professionalism, honesty, integrity and respect.
In collaboration with the EU, GPF technical working group has been supported by DCAF to prepare the Draft doctrine, which is nearing completion. As part of the consultative process, the GPF will be presenting this draft document to community groups, CSO’s and government bodies in a forum held at the NaNa Conference Centre, on Wednesday 23rd February 2022.
After these extensive deliberations, the GPF technical working group will analyse the feedback, adjust as required and then present it to the Inspector General of Police and the senior management team of the GPF.
“The implementation of the Doctrine will be a major step in enhancing and progressing the Security Sector Reform. SSR is above all a steady, day-by-day process ultimately leading to a renewed trust and confidence between Gambian citizens and their Security Forces.”, said EU Ambassador to The Gambia Corrado Pampaloni.