The Sierra Leone Police’s Community Relations Department (CRD-PHQ) held a meeting on June 28, 2024, at the CDIID Disciplinary Court, Police Headquarters, George Street, Freetown.

Directed by Inspector General of Police Mr. William Fayia Sellu through the Director of Gender and Community Affairs, the meeting aimed to brief members of the Local Policing Partnership Board (LPPB), Community Relations Officers/Coordinators, and Police Artistes on combating the growing issue of child trafficking in Sierra Leone.

Despite the Child Trafficking Act 2022 and efforts to arrest offenders, child trafficking remains a problem. Superintendent Conteh emphasized identifying key elements in trafficking cases: confirming the act, identifying the method used by the perpetrator, and determining the purpose, such as sexual exploitation or forced labor.

Representatives from the LPPB and various divisions in the Western Area discussed strategies to address child trafficking, agreeing that education is crucial.

Superintendent Conteh also announced plans to mobilize Police Artistes to create awareness-raising songs about child trafficking and prevention methods.