Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Andrew Mustapha Kamara has engaged personnel of the Freetown West Region in a lecture focused on strengthening professionalism, accountability, integrity, discipline and responsible conduct within the Sierra Leone Police.

The engagement, held on August 21, 2026, brought together the Deputy Regional Commander, Local Unit Commanders (LUCs), support officers and other strategic commanders from the six divisions that make up the Freetown West Region.

The lecture formed part of efforts to reinforce professional standards within the police and communicate the priorities of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Executive Management Board (EMB).

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Addressing the personnel, DIG Kamara explained that the engagement was intended to communicate the vision and priorities of the IGP and the Executive Management Board while reinforcing the institution’s ongoing transition from a “Force to a Service.”

He used the engagement to address several issues affecting professional policing and the relationship between police personnel and the public.

Among the areas highlighted were proper dress and appearance, unlawful arrests, bribery and corruption, conduct capable of bringing the police into disrepute, and the need for effective mentorship of recruits and junior officers.

The DIG stressed that professional conduct must remain central to the work of every police officer and that personnel are expected to uphold the standards associated with responsible policing.

DIG Kamara placed particular emphasis on issues that can undermine public confidence in the police, including unlawful arrests and corruption.

He urged officers to carry out their duties within established professional standards and avoid conduct that could damage the reputation of the Sierra Leone Police.

Bribery and corruption were also identified as serious concerns requiring continued attention from police commanders and personnel.

The engagement therefore placed responsibility not only on individual officers but also on commanders to ensure that personnel under their supervision comply with professional requirements.

Social media conduct was another major issue addressed during the engagement.

DIG Kamara cautioned police personnel against irresponsible use of social media platforms, including TikTok, and urged officers to ensure that their online activities do not undermine public confidence in the institution.

The warning comes amid wider concerns within the Sierra Leone Police about officers sharing police-related content and unverified information on social media.

In July 2026, Director of Operations AIG Brima Kanneh similarly cautioned police personnel against posting police-related content and unverified information online.

The emphasis on social media reflects the growing importance of officers’ public and online conduct in shaping perceptions of the police.

DIG Kamara called on Local Unit Commanders, support officers, the Complaints, Discipline and Internal Investigations Department (CDIID) and other frontline managers to ensure strict compliance with professional standards.

He encouraged commanders to take responsibility for maintaining discipline within their respective units and to ensure that personnel understand the expectations associated with their duties.

Effective mentorship was also highlighted as an important part of developing recruits and junior officers.

According to the DIG, experienced personnel and commanders have an important role to play in guiding younger officers and helping to establish a culture of professionalism within the institution.

The engagement also addressed the management of police checkpoints and the need for stronger inter-agency collaboration.

DIG Kamara emphasised the importance of effective checkpoint management and responsible conduct by personnel deployed at such locations.

He further encouraged greater cooperation between the Sierra Leone Police and the Freetown City Council in addressing lawlessness and indiscipline within the city.

The emphasis on inter-agency collaboration reflects the need for police and other public institutions to work together when dealing with issues affecting public order and the wider urban environment.

DIG Kamara also urged police personnel to embrace the positive changes taking place within the Sierra Leone Police.

He highlighted the commitment of the IGP and Executive Management Board to achieving the objectives of the institution and encouraged officers to contribute to the reform process through professional conduct and compliance with established standards.

The broader transition from a “Force to a Service” places emphasis on how the police interact with citizens and deliver their responsibilities as a public institution.

For the transformation to be effective, the message from police leadership was that professional standards must be reflected in the everyday conduct of officers across the organisation.

Responding on behalf of Regional Commander AIG Sylvester M. N. Koroma, Deputy Regional Commander ACP Mohamed Kamara thanked DIG Kamara for the engagement, describing it as timely and important.

ACP Mohamed Kamara also highlighted the ongoing review of the Sierra Leone Police Rules and Regulations, expressing hope that the process would further strengthen the institution’s ability to address misconduct and uphold professional standards.

The review is expected to contribute to efforts to strengthen the regulatory framework governing police personnel and reinforce accountability within the institution.

The vote of thanks was delivered by CSP Mbalu Gbla, Local Unit Commander of the Aberdeen Police Division.

She congratulated DIG Kamara on his appointment and expressed appreciation for the engagement and the guidance provided to personnel.

The Local Unit Commanders of the six divisions, together with other commanders present, welcomed the engagement and pledged their commitment to implementing the professional standards and directives communicated by the Deputy Inspector General of Police.

The engagement ultimately reinforced the message that professionalism, discipline, accountability and integrity must remain central to policing as the Sierra Leone Police continues its transition from a “Force to a Service.”