AYV News, December 19, 2024
The Sierra Leone Police (SLP), led by Inspector General of Police William Fayia Sellu, has launched a sensitisation campaign aimed at facilitating the force’s transition into a community-oriented police service.
This initiative underscores the Inspector General’s dedication to aligning police operations with the local needs and aspirations of the communities they serve. The campaign began with a series of Town Hall meetings held at strategic locations in Western Freetown, engaging police officers, community stakeholders and school children.
During a gathering at the Freetown-West Regional Police Headquarters in Lumley, IGP Sellu addressed police personnel and outlined the transformative changes anticipated during this transition. He emphasised the crucial distinction between a ‘police force’ and a ‘police service’, urging patience as these changes will unfold over several years.
“I am merely igniting the process. It’s about building a solid foundation for the construction of a masterpiece. Some of you will need to champion this transition”, he stated.
The Inspector General informed the audience about a recent visit to Ghana, where efforts were made to benchmark the Ghanaian policing model. Meetings were held with the Inspector General of the Ghana Police Service, the Minister of Justice and officials from the Ministry of Interior Affairs.
IGP Sellu noted that these agencies work collaboratively with the police and expressed gratitude for the support of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative Fredrick Ampiah, a key partner in this initiative.
In his address, IGP Sellu shared the significant advancements made by his administration thus far. “We have conducted a thorough review of the Police Act of 1964 and the Police Discipline Regulation of 2001, both of which have become outdated in relation to our current goals. As part of this transition, the review process of the 1991 Constitution is ongoing, aiming to incorporate provisions that support our shift from a force to a service,” he explained.
He also highlighted improvements in police infrastructure, including the acquisition of communication equipment, motorbikes for patrols, and the installation of surveillance cameras at strategic locations in Freetown.
The meeting allowed personnel to ask questions, and IGP Sellu provided prompt and thoughtful responses.
In a related outreach effort, the Inspector General engaged with community stakeholders and students at Family Kingdom along Aberdeen Beach, emphasising the importance of fostering stronger partnerships between the SLP and the communities it serves.
“Your support is crucial in our fight against crime,” Sellu remarked, outlining ways for officers to collaborate with local stakeholders.
Additionally, IGP Sellu visited police facilities, including the Goderich Police Division and the New England Ville police station, as part of his campaign to promote community-oriented policing.
Looking ahead, the SLP plans to extend its sensitization efforts to the eastern region of Freetown with the goal of enhancing community engagement and empowering collaboration to address safety and security concerns.
Nationwide sensitisation activities are scheduled to commence in January 2025, aimed at preparing the mindset of police personnel and the community regarding this transition from force to service.
