Police Leadership Warns Personnel as Bribery, Drug Misconduct Threaten Public Trust
Kanja Sesay Deputy Inspector-General of Police Andrew Mustapha Kamara has warned police personnel against bribery, drug-related misconduct and other practices capable of damaging public confidence in the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), as he addressed officers at the Freetown East Regional Police Headquarters on Thursday, September 25, 2026.
During the engagement, DIG Kamara urged personnel to uphold high standards of discipline, professionalism, integrity and personal appearance, stressing that the behaviour of individual officers can significantly influence how the public views the institution.
He encouraged personnel to maintain a neat and professional appearance while carrying out their duties, noting that proper grooming, discipline and respectful conduct can help command public confidence and project a positive image of the SLP.
Referring to the Sierra Leone Police Strategic Development Plan 2025 to 2029, DIG Kamara stressed the importance of improving service delivery and ensuring that officers consistently meet the professional standards expected of them.
He also assured personnel that complaints made against police officers would be treated seriously and that appropriate action would be taken where misconduct is established.
The DIG further encouraged officers to be punctual, disciplined and committed to their responsibilities while acknowledging some of the challenges personnel face in delivering effective policing services.
DIG Kamara cautioned personnel against using narcotic drugs or associating with individuals involved in the illegal drug trade.
He warned that such conduct could undermine public trust and damage the reputation of the Sierra Leone Police, adding that officers suspected of involvement in drug-related activities would be investigated.
The Deputy Inspector-General also addressed allegations that some traffic police officers accept bribes from motorists and other road users.
He described such practices as unacceptable and damaging to the credibility of the institution, urging officers to demonstrate integrity, accountability and impartiality when performing their duties.
Freetown East Regional Commander, Assistant Inspector-General of Police Brima Kanneh, used the engagement to highlight the importance of regular refresher training for police personnel.
AIG Kanneh said continued training could help officers address operational challenges while strengthening professionalism and improving the quality of policing services delivered to the public.
The meeting concluded with an interactive questions and answers session, allowing officers to raise concerns, discuss challenges affecting their work and seek clarification on issues relating to policing and service delivery.
The Freetown East engagement follows a similar lecture delivered by DIG Kamara to personnel in the Freetown West Region on August 21, 2026, where issues including unlawful arrests, bribery, corruption and the irresponsible use of social media were discussed.
The engagements form part of broader efforts by the Sierra Leone Police leadership to reinforce discipline and professional standards as the institution continues its stated transition from a “Force to a Service.”