Banfora: The governor of the Tannounyan region, Patrice Yeye, officially launched the community police force called "Police Siguignongon" on Monday in Banfora, an initiative aimed at strengthening collaboration between the police and the population in the fight against insecurity.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the regional director of the Tannounyan National Police, Ouonhindouba Yemien, explained that this new security approach is based on close ties with citizens. The community policing program, named "Siguignongon Police," aims to promote dialogue between police officers and the public, raise awareness on security issues, and involve the public in reducing acts of insecurity and minor delinquency. This initiative is also intended to improve the perception of the police and strengthen citizenship.
Yemien specified that police officers from the Banfora central police station, specially trained for this task, will carry out the mission. An action plan has been developed to enable these officers to travel throughout the city's various neighborhoods and compounds to identify residents' security concerns. The police will actively engage with citizens to gather their concerns and build mutual trust.
The governor, Patrice Yeye, paid tribute to the Defense and Security Forces (FDS) and the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP) for their commitment in the fight against terrorism. He honored the memory of fallen soldiers and extended condolences to bereaved families, wishing a swift recovery to the wounded.
Governor Yeye emphasized the need for constant adaptation of security strategies due to the rise in crime and the terrorist threat. Urbanization, population growth, and mobility are contributing to the complexity of security management in cities. The fight against terrorism leads to consequences like population displacement and a weakened social fabric, making it crucial to strengthen local police presence and community cooperation.
The General Directorate of the National Police initiated this new form of community policing known as "Police Siguignongon." The concept of "Neighborhood Police" reflects the aim to bring the police closer to citizens, focusing on dialogue, awareness, and building mutual trust rather than repression.
This initiative complements existing security measures, specifically to enhance prevention, community awareness, and citizen participation in combating crime. Mr. Yeye urged the public to embrace this new approach to security, reassuring them that community police officers' presence will primarily focus on raising awareness, listening to concerns, and gathering information to improve security.
The active participation of the population is deemed crucial for strengthening security and consolidating peace in the region.