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Inspector General of Police William Fayia Sellu has invited the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (Sierra Leone Association of Journalists) to deliver lectures to new police recruits at the Forces’ Training School in Hastings, in a move aimed at strengthening cooperation between the police and the media and reducing tensions during crisis situations.
Speaking at the association’s 55th Annual General Meeting in Makeni, the Inspector General announced the initiative as part of broader efforts to improve mutual understanding between law enforcement officers and journalists. He said the programme is designed to promote partnership rather than hostility between both institutions.
The proposed lectures will expose police recruits to the role of the media in society, the ethical responsibilities of journalists, and practical ways both police and reporters can effectively collaborate during breaking news and emergency situations.
IG Sellu noted that the initiative builds on the existing cordial relationship between the Sierra Leone Police and SLAJ, adding that early education of recruits will help prevent misunderstandings that often escalate into conflict during operations.
In response, SLAJ representatives at the AGM welcomed the invitation, describing it as a positive step toward strengthening press freedom while also promoting responsible journalism that safeguards public safety and the integrity of police work.
The Inspector General further disclosed that the programme will begin as a pilot series at the Hastings Training School, with plans to expand into joint workshops and scenario-based training exercises. He also indicated that both institutions will periodically review the initiative to assess its impact and improve its implementation.
If fully implemented, the initiative is expected to serve as a model for institutional cooperation in Sierra Leone, aligning police training with democratic principles of transparency, accountability, and media freedom.
