A high-profile collaborative policing training course has commenced in Freetown, bringing together senior and middle-level officers from the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), the Sierra Leone Correctional Service, the National Fire Force, and the Immigration Department.
The training, facilitated by the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), is aimed at enhancing inter-agency collaboration, strengthening capacity, and improving service delivery within Sierra Leone’s security sector.
Speaking at the opening session, the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Mr Sahr Yomba Senesi, described capacity building as central to the transformation of the Sierra Leone Police.
“Knowledge is valuable; it sharpens skills and improves service delivery. The transformative drive of the Sierra Leone Police requires personnel who can embrace strategic change, and this course is therefore timely,” DIG Senesi stated.
He emphasised that the SLP’s transition from a force to a service could not be achieved without continuous training. He also underscored the strong partnership between the SLP and KAIPTC, describing it as vital to building the competence of law enforcement officers.
DIG Senesi expressed appreciation to the KAIPTC Commandant and executive management for their continued support, noting that the training would be “highly profitable and impactful”.
Highlighting the importance of inter-agency cooperation, he said: “Experience has shown us that collaboration among sister forces in Sierra Leone has yielded positive results. This course will further strengthen our partnership and enhance our collective efforts to combat crime objectively in the line of duty.”
He encouraged participants to take the training seriously, stressing that it would sharpen their knowledge and improve service delivery.
Representing the Ghanaian High Commission, Mr Victor N.A. Adamaa explained that the concept of collaborative policing stemmed from the 1999 Abrahimo Report on the Sahel Region, which identified border security as a critical component of international peace and stability.
“This course will enhance the competence of law enforcement officers, equipping them with the skills required for peace operations and the prevention of transnational crime. The KAIPTC expects this training to significantly boost your knowledge in community collaboration, problem-solving, and crime-fighting,” he remarked.
Approximately 60 senior and middle-level officers from the police, military, correctional service, fire force, and immigration are participating in the training. The programme is designed to strengthen operational competencies, improve technical expertise, and promote effective collaboration and coordination in the discharge of security duties.
