HISTORY OF SIERRA LEONE POLICE

About the
Sierra Leone Police Force

The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) is the National Police force of the Republic of Sierra Leone that is primarily responsible for Law Enforcement and crime investigation throughout Sierra Leone. The Sierra Leone Police is part under the Jurisdiction of the Sierra Leone Ministry of Internal Affairs.
The brief history of the SLP could be traced way back in 1808, when the colony of Freetown was founded. By the 1889 colonial authority had been extended to the provinces.
A royal Gazette of October, 1894 established the Sierra Leone Police Force. Following independence in April 1961, the Sierra Leone Parliament passed the Police Act of 1964 to consolidate and amend the law relating to the organization, discipline, powers and duties of the Sierra Leone Police (SLP).

The Organization

The Sierra Leone Police is headed by the Inspector General of Police. The professional head of the Sierra Leone force who is appointed by the President of Sierra Leone. The current Inspector General of Police is Mr. Ambrose Michael Sovula and his Deputy Inspector General of Police is Mrs. Elizabeth A. Turay.

Key Functions

The key functions of the Sierra Leone Police include: Crime prevention, to protect lives and properties, to detect and prosecute offenders, to maintain public order, to ensure safety and security and to enhance access to justice.