Kingtom, October 15, 2024 – Inspector General of Police (IGP) – Mr William Fayia Sellu attended a significant consultative meeting today focused on the review of the Police Act of 1964, organized by the Law Reform Commission in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The event took place at the bank complex in Kingtom as part of a nationwide initiative to gather inputs from various stakeholders concerning the modernization of the police framework.
During his address, IGP Sellu emphasized the need to update the Police Act so as to align it with contemporary standards and practices in modern policing. “This review process, initiated back in April 2014, is now becoming a priority under my leadership,” he stated. He underscored the importance of stakeholders’ engagement, noting that the presence of community members indicates a collective ownership of the reform process.
Mr. Sellu recounted a previous meeting he had with Yada Hashim Williams Esq., the Chairman of both the Law Reform Commission and the Police Act Sub-committee, highlighting their constructive discussion on the need to revamp the Act. “Many past IGPs had attempted this task without success. I am committed to ensuring that we accomplish it through collaboration,” he remarked.
The IGP also expressed gratitude to the review committee and the UNDP for their support in advancing this critical initiative. “The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has undergone numerous reforms over the years, including the Discipline Regulation of 2001 and the Policing Charters. However, these efforts were not enough to meet the current demands of policing,” he noted.
Sellu pointed out that his policy direction aims to transition the SLP from being seen as a ‘force’ to a ‘service.’ He emphasized the need for the legal framework to support this transformation, referencing a successful benchmarking study conducted in Ghana, where the police transitioned from a force to a service 22 years ago.
“This is our opportunity to reflect the term ‘service’ in the new Police Act,” he affirmed.
Community policing was highlighted as a key performance indicator for assessing police efficacy in maintaining relationships between the police and the public. “Change is imperative,” IGP Sellu reiterated, stressing that stakeholders must take ownership of this reform process through active participation and feedback.
Yada Hashim Williams Esq., in his presentation, elaborated on the significance of revising the 60-year-old Police Act. He emphasized the balance between effective policing and human rights, and outlined the goals of the review process, including eliminating torture, preventing the excessive use of force, and fostering cooperation between the police and the community.
Mr. Alie Sesay, representing the UNDP, urged participants to engage meaningfully in the consultative process to enhance the legitimacy and effectiveness of the reforms.
The session concluded with valuable contributions from several members of the sub-committee and a group photo representing the collaborative spirit of the meeting.
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