The Sierra Leone police have released highlights on its last press conference held yesterday the 25th August, 2022 at its Headquarters in Freetown.

See release below:

HIGHLIGHTS ON SLP PRESS CONFERENCE

The Sierra Leone Police, continues to hold its weekly press conference at the conference hall of Police Headquarters, George Street, in Freetown.

At the latest of press conferences held on 25th August 2022, at 3pm, the following were the updates/highlights discussed:

1. Freetown West

The Regional Police Commander – Commissioner of Police Mr. Victor Manfred Williams who also doubled as the Chairman for the press conference, briefed the press on the August 10 incident and measures that were adopted in policing same; more so, in his area of responsibility.

2. Freetown East

The Regional Police Commander – Commissioner of Police Mr. Francis Hazeley, spoke on wide range of security-related issues in his Region; which, he said, attracted the heaviest of riotous incidents on 10th August, 2022. That several arrests were made and investigations have been mounted for possible infractions of various criminal offences. As at now, he reported that perfect calm had returned to the Region, after the 10th August incidents.
He also briefed on joint SLP/RSLAF patrols which he said are on going, including mounting of checkpoints at night.

3. CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS DEPARTMENT

Assistant Commissioner of Police – R. P.G. Roberts gave a statistical update on the number of suspects released, following the August 10 incidents. That 113 suspects, including males and females, were unconditionally released after investigations; 24 juveniles (boys and girls) were handed over to the Ministry of Social Welfare for parental tracing. And that they are presently with Don Bosco safe home.

4. COMMUNITY RELATIONS DEPARTMENT

The Head of Community Relations Department – CSP Edna Sumana-Silver, told the press that they are presently on community sensitisations with key messages of peace. Amongst these peace messages, she said:

a. Assuring the public of their safety and security;

b. Demystifying misinformation, disinformation, and fake news, which she said had become commonplace in society. She called on the public to listen to mainstream media channels for genuine and official news.

c. That they’re stressing that rights go with responsibility, which the public must be aware of.

She finally reported that come Monday 29th August, 2022, the security sector which comprised of the SLP, RSLAF, ONS, and MEDIA, will jointly continue on sensitization drives to various communities within the city and its environs.

One Mr. Doherrty B. F. Koroma, from Fayandi Communications applauded the Police on their sensitization drive and pleaded for a continuation of such.

Questions and answers climaxed the press conference.