In a significant move towards reform, the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) is gearing up for a transformative initiative to shift its operational ethos from “Force to Serve.” The Inspector General of Police, Mr. William Fayia Sellu, in collaboration with Mr. Fredrick Ampiah, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative, will host a series of nationwide town hall meetings aimed at preparing police officers for this transition, set to officially commence in 2025.
This initiative follows a recent working visit by the Inspector General and other government officials to Ghana, where they assessed the country’s policing model. The insights gained from this benchmarking trip are expected to play a crucial role in effectively implementing Sierra Leone’s transition from a traditional policing approach.
Supported by the UNDP, a variety of reform activities have already been initiated to facilitate a smooth transition. The upcoming town hall meetings, scheduled for December 17th and 18th, 2024, will target a diverse group of participants, including members of the Local Policing Partnership Board, university students, schoolchildren, teachers, bike riders, motor drivers, market women, traditional leaders, religious leaders, youth and women’s groups, civil society organizations, and police personnel across all divisions in the Western Areas of Freetown.
In January 2025, similar engagements will be extended to provincial areas to ensure that all stakeholders are involved in this pivotal transition. IGP Sellu is committed to this transformational drive, emphasizing that it will enhance the value and respect afforded to the Sierra Leone Police.
The December meetings will serve as a platform to disseminate key messages regarding the transition. The SLP Media Team, with UNDP support, has developed strategic communication materials to guide this important process.
