40 Police Investigators Begin Specialised SGBV Training
The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) Family Support Unit (FSU) has commenced a specialised training programme for 40 investigators aimed at strengthening the fight against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and child trafficking.
The training, which began on Tuesday, 22 September 2026, is being conducted in collaboration with Lantern Rescue International at the Sierra Leone Peacekeeping and Law Enforcement Academy (SILEA), Hastings Campus.
The programme is designed to improve investigators’ capacity to handle SGBV, child trafficking and related cases while promoting professional standards and international best practices.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Head of the FSU, Detective Superintendent of Police Mohamed Mansaray, said tackling SGBV requires a multi-sectoral approach and cannot be achieved by the police alone.
He thanked Lantern Rescue for sponsoring the training and supporting 40 FSU personnel from the Western Area, while expressing hope that similar capacity-building programmes would be extended to FSU personnel at regional headquarters across the country.
Lantern Rescue’s West Africa Programme Manager, Madam Vivian Hartlief, said the organisation operates in 12 African countries, supporting locally mandated law-enforcement agencies based on the specific needs of each country.
Meanwhile, SILEA Commandant, ACP Brima Kamara, Esq., urged the participants to take the specialised course seriously, stressing that continuous professional development remains a key priority of Inspector-General of Police William Fayia Sellu.
The training is expected to strengthen FSU investigative capabilities and enhance collaboration between the SLP and international partners in addressing crimes affecting vulnerable persons.