2023 Elections: Over 23,000 Police Officers Needed for Better Security
Mohamed Aruna AIG Mohamed Braima Jah, the Director of Operations in the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has disclosed that over 23,000 police personnel are needed for full coverage of the 2023 elections.
He made this disclosure during an engagement with Civil Society Organizations and other relevant stakeholders.
AIG Jah noted that more strength needs to be provided to the police force ahead of the 24 June general elections.
He referenced the 2018 elections when they needed 22,000 police personnel and only 14,000 were recruited.
He added that they have added 1,000 personnel who passed out recently into the force.
“This time round as in the past, we would require the correctional service and fire force personnel during the elections to support the process of the general elections,” he noted, adding that the office of national security has collaborated with training to conduct some trainings for police officers across the country.
As the elections need more attention and concern, AIG assured that the SLP is ready to police it well and ensure lives and properties are safe. He added that providing security is two way traffic and they are quite ready to manage the situation.
“We would ensure that adequate security is provided but equally so we want the compliance from the general public,” he noted.