Canada has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Sierra Leone’s security sector following the graduation of 70 law enforcement officers trained in professional interviewing and fraud detection.
The certification ceremony, held at the Canadian Consulate in Freetown, recognised officers from the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) and the Immigration Department who completed a specialised training programme aimed at improving investigative techniques and border management capacity.
Speaking at the event, the Canadian High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, Her Excellency Myriam Montrat, said Canada remains proud to support national security institutions through sustained capacity-building initiatives. She noted that the training plays a vital role in enhancing operational effectiveness, particularly in professional interviewing, crime detection, public safety, and border security.
High Commissioner Montrat explained that the programme equips officers with modern, ethical, and professional skills in fraud detection and interviewing, enabling them to better identify criminal elements and individuals attempting unlawful entry into the country. She said the certificates awarded represent not only participation but also the competence and professionalism demonstrated by the officers throughout the training.
She commended the participants for their discipline and dedication, emphasising that effective policing and immigration services depend on specialised skills and continuous professional development. She further reiterated Canada’s commitment to continued collaboration and praised the leadership of both the Police and Immigration Department for their cooperation in ensuring the programme’s success.
Representing the Inspector General of Police, the Director of Human Resources, Assistant Inspector General of Police James Musa, expressed appreciation to the Canadian High Commission for its consistent support towards strengthening law enforcement capacity in Sierra Leone.
AIG Musa assured that the knowledge and skills gained would be applied responsibly and shared with other officers through internal training initiatives. He thanked the Government and people of Canada for their partnership and called for expanded training opportunities, reaffirming the Sierra Leone Police’s commitment to professional development and accountable service delivery.
