Inspector General of Police (IGP) William Fayia Sellu has reaffirmed the Sierra Leone Police’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), describing trust, mutual respect, and constructive engagement as essential pillars for sustaining cooperation between the two institutions.

Delivering a goodwill message at the opening session of SLAJ’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the University of Makeni Auditorium on Friday, IGP Sellu commended the association for its longstanding collaboration with the police despite occasional challenges and misunderstandings.

The AGM was held under the theme, “Strengthening the Economy Through Responsible Journalism.”

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Addressing journalists from across the country, the police chief underscored the vital role of the media in promoting democracy, informing the public, and amplifying the voices of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups in society.

“You give a voice to the voiceless, speak for the disadvantaged, and advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves,” IGP Sellu said, noting that responsible journalism remains crucial to national development and social cohesion.

He urged media practitioners to uphold the core principles of journalism, including fairness, accuracy, humanity, and accountability, stressing that adherence to professional standards would help build public trust and reduce tensions within communities.

The IGP also highlighted the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between SLAJ and the Sierra Leone Police in 2020 through the Office of National Security (ONS), describing it as a key framework guiding relations between the two institutions.

According to him, continuous dialogue and collaboration are necessary to preserve and strengthen the gains achieved under the agreement.

As part of efforts to deepen understanding between journalists and law enforcement officers, IGP Sellu offered SLAJ President Alhaji Manika Kamara and his executive a two-hour engagement session with police recruits at the Police Training School.

He said the initiative would help recruits better understand the role of journalists and contribute to reducing misunderstandings between the media and the police.

The police chief further pledged to work closely with SLAJ’s leadership to review and strengthen existing cooperation mechanisms aimed at promoting effective engagement on issues of national importance.

Reflecting on his personal connection to the profession, IGP Sellu disclosed that he served as President of the Press Club during his university days and developed a strong interest in writing, giving him a deep appreciation of journalism and its societal value.

While assuring journalists that the Sierra Leone Police supports investigative and critical reporting, he encouraged media practitioners to seek balanced perspectives by engaging the police when reporting on law enforcement-related matters.

Concluding his address, IGP Sellu called on journalists to continue contributing to national development through responsible reporting.

“Let us strengthen the economy through responsible journalism and strengthen policing through responsible reporting. Together, we can build the trust that this nation needs,” he said.