History of the Gambia Police Force
A Legacy of Service, Discipline, and National Pride
Foundation and Early History
The Gambia Police Force traces its origins to the colonial era, established as the Gambia Police under British administration in the late 19th century. The Force was created to maintain public order, enforce colonial laws, and protect the interests of the then-British protectorate.
Following The Gambiau2019s independence on 18 February 1965, the police service was restructured and renamed the Gambia Police Force (GPF), taking on a new national identity and mandate. The Force became an instrument of the sovereign Gambian state, tasked with maintaining internal security and upholding the Constitution.
Post-Independence Development
In the decades following independence, the GPF underwent significant institutional development. New training programmes were introduced, specialist units were formed, and the Force expanded its regional presence through the establishment of police divisions and stations across all administrative regions of The Gambia.
The GPF has participated in various United Nations peacekeeping missions, contributing Gambian police officers to operations in multiple countries, demonstrating the Forceu2019s commitment to international peace and security.
The Modern GPF
Today, the Gambia Police Force is a professional law enforcement institution serving a population of over 2.7 million people across seven administrative regions. The Force has embraced modern policing strategies, community-oriented approaches, and technological tools to address evolving security challenges.
Under the leadership of the Inspector General of Police and in alignment with the National Security Policy, the GPF continues to modernise its operations, strengthen public trust, and deliver professional policing services to all communities in The Gambia.