A team of experts from the International Police Organizations (INTERPOL) paid a courtesy visit to Inspector General of Police, Mr. William Fayia Sellu, to discuss ongoing collaborations in training and operational standards. The team, led by Assistant Director Pro Tempore for AFR, Mr. Theos Badege, aims to assess the National Central Bureau’s performance in relation to INTERPOL’s coaching standards, particularly focusing on environmental crime.
In his remarks, Mr. Badege emphasized the importance of meeting local police leadership, stating, “Even though we engage with the head of the National Central Bureau, the Chief of Police serves as the primary INTERPOL representative in each country.” He expressed gratitude to IGP Sellu for his partnership with INTERPOL, underscoring the organization’s broad global reach with 196 member countries.
Mr. Badege outlined the agenda for the visit, which includes evaluating how Sierra Leonean personnel utilize INTERPOL’s I-247 system, their compliance with established standards, and the effectiveness of communication within the police hierarchy and with international counterparts. He reiterated that the overall goal is to assess the capabilities of personnel managing the I-247 system and the facilities available.
Responding to the delegation, IGP Fayia Sellu warmly welcomed the INTERPOL team, highlighting the vital investments made by the organization in Sierra Leone, including the establishment of systems and training programs. “INTERPOL has significantly invested in our capabilities, and we are eager to ensure these facilities are used effectively for their intended purposes,” stated IGP Sellu.
He noted that both he and the UNDP Resident Representative had recently visited the facilities to monitor operations and expressed their satisfaction with the WAPIS (West African Police Information System) program, which is currently active in the country.
IGP Sellu also underscored the importance of addressing any gaps in operations, particularly within institutions outside police domains. “If there are any shortcomings in these areas, please inform me so that I can engage the heads of these institutions for necessary actions,” he urged.
The Inspector General further expressed a desire to expand police workstations to key strategic areas, including border crossing points and seaports, where they can combat illicit activities effectively. “With INTERPOL’s support, we aim to enhance our operational capabilities, particularly at our borders with Guinea, Liberia and in vital maritime zones,” he remarked.
In closing, IGP Sellu reaffirmed his commitment to continuous training and readiness to combat evolving forms of crime, including environmental offenses. He expressed heartfelt appreciation to INTERPOL for their ongoing support, highlighting that “training is a daily necessity in policing.”
The meeting culminated in a presentation of an INTERPOL notebook to IGP Sellu in recognition of his exemplary leadership and dedication to fostering international cooperation in policing.
