Gambia Police Dismiss Officer for Credit Union Impersonation and Theft, Vowing Accountability
In a decisive move to uphold institutional integrity, The Gambia Police Force (GPF) has publicly dismissed an officer found guilty of impersonation and unauthorized financial withdrawals at the Brikama Police Cooperative Credit Union. The action follows the circulation of a video on social media that captured the officer’s attempt to steal funds.
Internal Investigation Uncovers Fraudulent Scheme
According to an official statement released by the GPF, the officer, whose identity was not disclosed, engaged in a fraudulent scheme by pretending to be another member of the credit union to gain illicit access to their account.
“His actions were detected by staff, and he was immediately apprehended and handed over to the police,” the force confirmed.
The subsequent internal investigation revealed that the incident was not isolated, uncovering a pattern of multiple unauthorized withdrawals from members’ accounts linked to the officer. The probe concluded that the individual was guilty of impersonation, fraudulent conduct, and gross professional misconduct.
Swift Dismissal Signals Zero-Tolerance Policy
In response to the findings, Inspector General of Police Seedy Mukhtar Touray approved the officer’s immediate dismissal from the force.
“Following a thorough internal investigation, the officer was found guilty… As a result, the Inspector General of Police… has dismissed him from the Gambia Police Force with immediate effect,” the official statement read.
Broader Implications for Institutional Trust
This case highlights the critical challenge law enforcement institutions face globally: maintaining internal discipline and public trust. While the GPF was quick to label the officer’s actions an isolated incident not reflective of the force’s values, the event inevitably tests public confidence.
The force’s transparent handling and swift disciplinary action, however, serve as a public demonstration of its accountability mechanisms. By taking firm, public action, the GPF aims to reinforce its commitment to ethical standards.
“The Gambia Police Force assures the public of its unwavering commitment to integrity, accountability, and the highest standards of service to the nation,” the statement concluded, directly addressing potential public concern.
This report is based on information originally published by Kerr Fatou Online Media House.