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Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Joan M.S. Bull has raised serious concerns over what she described as the increasing trend of hostility and violence against police officers in Sierra Leone, warning that such actions pose a threat to public safety and the rule of law.
In a public statement, ACP Bull noted that there has been a growing number of incidents in which police officers have been verbally abused, physically assaulted, surrounded by hostile crowds, or prevented from carrying out their lawful duties. She also expressed concern over attacks on police stations, describing the situation as deeply troubling.
“Today it’s a police officer. Tomorrow it could be anyone,” she warned, stressing that law enforcement officers are not only representatives of the State but also ordinary human beings with families and loved ones.
ACP Bull emphasized that every police officer who leaves home to serve the public deserves to return home safely, adding that the safety and dignity of officers must be protected just as they are expected to protect the public.
She acknowledged that the law does not permit officers to assault members of the public and maintained that those who abuse their authority must be held accountable. According to her, disciplinary actions have been taken in the past against officers who failed to uphold professional standards.
“Accountability is an essential part of professional policing, but it must never be one-sided,” she stated.
She further warned that assaulting police officers, obstructing lawful arrests, inciting violence against officers, or celebrating attacks on police personnel and property are equally unacceptable and dangerous for society.
ACP Bull noted that disagreement with police conduct should be addressed through lawful channels rather than violence, insults, or mob justice.
“If an officer has acted improperly, report the matter and allow the law to take its course. Violence should never become the first response,” she urged.
She also appealed to her fellow officers to continue exercising restraint, professionalism, and respect for the rights and dignity of every citizen, even in difficult and provocative situations.
At the same time, she called on members of the public to support efforts to maintain peace by helping to calm tense situations instead of escalating them.
According to ACP Bull, building a safer Sierra Leone requires collective responsibility, respect for the law, and a commitment to justice over disorder.
