Alagi Yorro Jallow
Fatoumatta: Yesterday, I shared insights on the Gambia Police Force, emphasizing the promising opportunity for reform. It’s vital that our police embrace professionalism over politics or tribalism. The challenge of balancing professional duties with personal expression on social media is something many public servants, including police officers, navigate daily. Officer Njie’s recent Facebook response to comments by a National People’s Party supporter about the Kiang region beautifully illustrates this ongoing conversation. Together, we can foster a more professional and united police force that reflects our community’s values and aspirations. Exciting times are ahead!
In her post, Njie addresses the vitriolic comments directed at the Kiang community by NPP supporter Baboucarr Bahoum. As a native of Kiang, Njie emphasizes that her comments are made in a personal capacity, aiming to defend her community’s dignity. She criticizes the harmful generalizations and political rhetoric that, in her view, are deepening divisions and fostering resentment within the country. Njie states, “First of all, I am not in any way politically affiliated, but I am Kianka, and my people are not ingrates.”
Fatoumatta: This situation raises several important points about the role of public servants in the digital age:
1.Personal vs. Professional: Njie’s attempt to draw a clear line between her personal identity and professional role underscores the challenge many public servants face in maintaining this distinction. While she speaks as a Kianka, her position as a police officer inevitably adds weight to her words, potentially blurring the lines between personal opinion and professional stance.
2. Defending Community: Njie’s defense of her community is a powerful reminder of the deep connections individuals have to their roots and the desire to protect their community’s reputation. Her response seeks to counteract negative stereotypes and affirm the dignity of her people.
3. Navigating Political Neutrality: By declaring her lack of political affiliation, Njie attempts to maintain impartiality, a crucial aspect of her role as a police officer. However, engaging in political discourse, even in a personal capacity, can complicate perceptions of neutrality.
4. Impact on Public Trust: Social media posts by public servants can impact public trust in the institutions they represent. While Njie’s intentions are to defend her community, the medium and manner of her response might affect how the public perceives the police force’s impartiality and professionalism.
Fatoumatta: Given these factors, it may be prudent for police departments to reinforce the importance of maintaining apolitical stances in public forums to preserve neutrality and trust. If Njie’s post is found to have violated department policies or compromised her impartiality as an officer, an administrative reprimand could be considered. However, it is essential to handle such matters with fairness and transparency, ensuring that the principles of free speech and professional responsibility are both respected.
Ultimately, police officers should aim to uphold the values of their profession and avoid engaging in political discourse that may affect their ability to serve the community impartially.
Fatoumatta: In conclusion, Njie’s post is a reflection of the ongoing struggle for public servants to navigate their personal and professional identities in the age of social media. It highlights the need for clear guidelines and thoughtful consideration of the potential implications of their online presence. While defending one’s community and speaking out against harmful rhetoric is important, finding the appropriate platform and approach is crucial to maintaining the delicate balance between personal expression and professional responsibility.
