Sierra Leone Police Tests New Tear-Gas Drone in Freetown
Sia Lucy Kannah The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has tested a drone equipped with tear gas at several locations across Freetown to assess its operational readiness and potential use in crowd control and public-order management.
The exercise was conducted by the SLP’s Police Drone Team in collaboration with the Head of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Department, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) David A. Mbayo. The trial forms part of efforts by the police to modernise its operations and integrate technology into law enforcement.
Speaking on the initiative, ASP Mbayo stressed that the use of such technology must comply with legal requirements and established operational protocols.
“Public safety, the preservation of life, and respect for human rights remain paramount,” Mbayo said, highlighting the importance of rigorous training, proper supervision and safeguards to prevent indiscriminate exposure to tear gas and protect vulnerable groups during public-order operations.
The evaluation is intended to ensure that the technology is used responsibly to support accountable, professional and people-centred policing across Sierra Leone.