In response to the recent unauthorized release of inmates from Sierra Leone’s correctional facilities, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mr. William Fayia Sellu made a significant donation aimed at rectifying data irregularities within the system.

The incident, which occurred on November 26th in Freetown, prompted swift action and collaboration between international organizations and local authorities.

The IGP’s donation of two brand new computers and their accessories to the Sierra Leone Correctional Services (SLCS) at their headquarters in New England Ville, Freetown, signifies a proactive step towards resolving the challenges highlighted during the aftermath of the unauthorized inmate release.

Following the incident, which saw some fugitives returning to the SLCS facilities and others being apprehended within Sierra Leone, the IGP sought support from the International Police Organization (INTERPOL) and the West Africa Police Information System (WAPIS). Both organizations requested comprehensive inmate data to aid in the swift arrest of those on the run.

This request revealed discrepancies and challenges within the data of inmates serving sentences at the Pademba Road and Special Court correctional facilities. To address these issues, officials from INTERPOL and WAPIS arrived in Sierra Leone on December 25th, 2023, initiating a data regularization exercise at the SLCS.

During the handing-over ceremony of the donated computers, Dr. Mohamed Yansaneh, Program Coordinator for WAPIS, commended the IGP and the Director General of SLCS for their support and cooperation in conducting the data regularization exercise. He urged SLCS management to utilize the standard template provided by the team to ensure accurate and proper data recording.

Expressing gratitude for the findings and observations made during the exercise, the IGP emphasized a commitment to transforming the data collection systems following the November 26th incident. He pledged ongoing support to SLCS beyond the computer donation, promising to provide office furniture and professional personnel to bolster the capacity of SLCS personnel.

The IGP emphasized the importance of quality data, envisioning this moment as a pilot phase for gathering accurate records. He stated, “We are going to support the process as data quality is so important in putting records straight,” signifying a concerted effort to rectify and improve data accuracy within Sierra Leone’s correctional system.