With the aim to operationally and administratively police the Freetown-East region, the Inspector General of Police – Mr. William Fayia Sellu has on Friday 8th March, 2024, officially opened Grafton Police Division, as one of the new police operational and administrative divisions approved by Police Council at the behest.

Addressing the mammoth gathering at the forecourt of the new Grafton Police Division, IGP Sellu disclosed that he and his management team was at Grafton to intimate the community that Kissy Division had been divided into two, with the other independently becoming Grafton Police Division. He said that plans to divide Kissy Division had long been in the books but not been implemented by any of his predecessors; adding that he has taken the bold step to bring it to fruition under his tenure of office.

He recalled his stint as Local Unit Commander of Kissy Division in 2008, which, according to him, gave him an opportunity to have a thorough knowledge of the jurisdiction and terrain of the then Kissy Division. He noted that the complexities and difficulties associated with administering the Division, necessitated his push for Police Council to divide the Division into two. He gave similar explanation for Kailahun Division which has also been divided into two, and to now additionally have a new Koindu Division.

“We know that it is difficult to start a new Division but as time goes on, these problems will be fixed and that is why I brought in an experienced Local Unit Commander – ACP Abu Bakarr Kallon to work here”, IGP noted. He implored the community people as well as the Local Policing Partnership Board members to work hand in glove with the Police to fight crime; given that community policing is one of the strategies incorporated into the SLP, with the view to have communities assist the Police with vital information to fight crime.

The IGP extended profound thanks and appreciation to His Excellency Brigadier Retired Dr. Julius Maada Bio and the Honourable Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh for their timely support for the establishment of these two new Local police administrative Divisions.

The Regional Police Commander of Freetown East – ACP Francis Brima Meinday affirmed his commitment to serve the people diligently and encouraged them to share vital information with the Police on any drug related matters in their respective communities.

Other meaningful contributions were made by the Headman of the Grafton Community – Mr. Harry Bangura, the Local Policing Partnership Board Chairman of the new Division – Mr. Patrick S. Lebbie and Mr. Frank Murana. They all lavished praises on the Inspector General of Police for upgrading the Grafton Community to a Police Division and reassured the IGP of their maximum support at all times.

The LUC of Grafton Police Division – ACP Abu Bakarr Kallon moved the vote of thanks, followed by unveiling of two directional sign posts, cutting of the tape to mark the formal opening of the Division, and inspection of the new divisional facility.

Source: SLP MEDIA TEAM