In order to improve on cybercrimes investigation in Sierra Leone, fifty (50) police personnel have been selected to pursue advance technological training at the Sky Vision College of Digital Technology and Management at #5 Main Motor Road, Wilberforce, in Freetown.
The above training officially commenced on Saturday 30th September, 2023, of which the Inspector General of Police -Mr. William Fayia Sellu was ably represented by the Director of Crime Services – Commissioner Joseph Lahai and other senior police officers at the opening ceremony.
Commissioner Lahai opined that when Sierra Leoneans started using technological devices such as computers and mobile phones, the SLP realised the problems associated with the use of these devices. As a responsible organisation, the SLP decided to form a special unit called the Cyber Crime Investigations Unit at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters, through the then initiative of now Retired AIG Morie Lengor.
He further maintained that the Unit was established at a time investigators lacked basic knowledge on how to investigate and prosecute some of these offences; given that there was no cyber law in the country then. He added, that it was on account of that, that the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) contacted the India Consul for assistance; who, in turn, through their Government, sent four professors to Sierra Leone to train one hundred and forty (140) police investigators across the country for a two-month period in basic knowledge in cybercrime investigations, he added. “We have again asked the India Consul to train our investigators with advanced technological training in a bid to widen the knowledge of our personnel; this time, not just on the surface of technology but for us to be able to probe into the dark web so as to combat cyber attacks in Sierra Leone”, the Director stated. Commissioner Lahai therefore urged trainees to focus on the training and to ask questions on issues that do not well understand, for which the tutors will help them to understand, considering the fact that some people are still using social media to threaten people, sending incendiary messages which have the potential to scare possible investors from coming to invest in the country.
Earlier, the principal of the Sky Vision College, Mr. Shekhar Kadam gave a brief overview of the institution coupled with the course outline and re-assured the trainees that they will use the simplest methodologies to ensure that the messages are well transferred and encouraged them to ask questions at any given time.
Meaningful contributions were made by the Head of INTERPOL – Superintendent Mohamed Sidibay, whilst DSP Alpha Kamara, who is the Acting Head of Training, moved the vote of thanks.
Climaxing the session was a group photo, followed by other pleasantries.
