The Law Reform Commission, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), held a significant event at the Bank Complex aimed at reviewing the Police Act of 1964.

The gathering, part of a nationwide initiative, seeks to modernize the outdated legal framework governing the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) by gathering input from various stakeholders.

Inspector General of Police (IGP), William Fayia Sellu, emphasized the critical need to update the 1964 Police Act to align it with modern policing standards and practices. “This review process, initiated back in April 2014, is now becoming a priority under my leadership,” he said. IGP Sellu stressed the importance of collective ownership of the reform process, praising the presence of community members and stakeholders. He expressed gratitude to the UNDP and the review committee for their support in driving the reforms forward.

While acknowledging past reforms, including the Discipline Regulation of 2001 and various Policing Charters, Sellu noted that these efforts were insufficient to meet the evolving challenges of law enforcement in Sierra Leone. He called for active participation and feedback from stakeholders to ensure the success of the review process.

Speaking at the event, UNDP representative Alie Sesay urged participants to engage meaningfully in the consultations to bolster the legitimacy and effectiveness of the reforms. “Many past IGPs had attempted this task without success. I am committed to ensuring that we accomplish it through collaboration,” Sesay added.

The review of the Police Act is seen as a critical step in addressing the current demands of policing and aligning the SLP with international standards.