President Bio said that the police should be seen carrying out its duty with honesty, impartiality, care and free from corruption. He also said that one of the challenges is that there is low public confidence in the force. He added that members are recruited into the force to serve the nation and not to be involved in politics. In continuation of his democratic war on corruption and indiscipline, President Bio said “Once again I want to reiterate that corruption and indiscipline in Sierra Leone Police will not be entertained by my Government.”

His Excellency also called on the police to serve as agent of the change which the people of Sierra Leone voted for in the just concluded elections. He promised that his government will provide the required financial and logistical support to help capacitate the police into a force which is fit for the 21st century.

Recognizing the critical role of the police, the President said, “I also recognize the critical role you all play in creating a peaceful society as police officers and most times doing so at the risk of your own lives. Therefore, my government will ensure that the terms and conditions of service for members of the Sierra Leone Police reflect the importance of the task they perform.”

The President also has a parting message for the recruits “To the recruits, as you pass out to join your families, remember you have all ascribed to an oath to serve our country diligently and put her interest above every other thing. Sierra Leone must be first in all you do. I entreat you all to sincerely serve the people with respect, honesty, professionalism and abide by our sacred constitution.”

The new recruits were the second batch of R2/2017 consisting of 1,300 men and women who successfully went through the requisite training and became eligible to serve in the Sierra Leone Police. Several of the recruits were also awarded prizes for exceptional performance during their training and four of the recruits were promoted to the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police.