By Yusufu S. Bangura
IGP Sellu, Senior police officers, pupils pose for photo
With the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has embarked on a nationwide campaign to transition from a traditional police force to a community-oriented service.
The initiative, led by Inspector General of Police William Fayia Sellu, aims to strengthen partnerships between the police and the communities they serve.
The campaign was launched with a series of Town Hall meetings across Western Freetown, engaging police officers, community leaders, and school children. Speaking at the Freetown-West Regional Police Headquarters in Lumley, IGP Sellu highlighted the transformative vision for the SLP.
“Transitioning from a force to a service requires patience and commitment. This is about laying a solid foundation for a sustainable future,” IGP Sellu said. He encouraged personnel to embrace the shift and take ownership of the process.
As part of the transition, IGP Sellu shared efforts to modernize policing frameworks, including a review of the Police Act of 1964 and the Police Discipline Regulation of 2001.
Community stakeholders & pupils listened to IGP Sellu
He also emphasized that the ongoing constitutional review will integrate provisions supporting the new community-focused approach. Infrastructure improvements, such as enhanced communication systems, motorbikes for patrols, and surveillance cameras in strategic areas, were highlighted as progress made under his leadership.
The Inspector General cited a benchmarking visit to Ghana, where he engaged with counterparts and government officials to learn from their community policing model. He expressed gratitude to UNDP Resident Representative Fredrick Ampiah for the organization’s critical role in supporting the campaign.
Community outreach continued at Family Kingdom along Aberdeen Beach, where IGP Sellu addressed students and community stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in crime prevention. “Your support is essential in making this transition successful,” he remarked.
The campaign also included site visits to the Goderich Police Division and New England Ville police station to assess facilities and promote the new policing approach. Sensitization efforts will expand to Eastern Freetown and culminate in nationwide activities starting January 2025.
Community stakeholders and students pledged their support to the SLP, expressing optimism about fostering stronger police-community relationships during the transition. The campaign underscores the SLP’s commitment to building a safer, more inclusive Sierra Leone.
