Sierra Leone Police Request Le 635 Million Budget for 2025
Aaron Parker On August 28, 2024, the Sierra Leone Police presented a budget proposal of Le 635,418,000 for 2025 during the Bilateral Budget Discussions in Freetown.
Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Allieu Turay detailed that this includes Le 378,720.4 million for recurrent expenditures and an additional Le 256,697.6 million for other needs.
The discussions, which began on August 19 and will end on August 30, 2024, are organized by the Ministry of Finance (MoF) and the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED).
Key priorities outlined by CSP Turay for 2025 include acquiring 13 specialized vehicles, 50 vehicle clamps, 25 trucks, recruiting 1,000 new officers, rehabilitating the police headquarters, and completing the Ross Road police division building.
For FY2025, the police expect a modest revenue of Le 2,943,755 from services such as arm guards, police clearances, and towing fees. CSP Turay also reviewed 2024 achievements, including progress on the nationwide communication network, the near-completion of the Aberdeen divisional headquarters, and the procurement of 35 patrol vehicles.
Despite these gains, challenges remain, including personnel shortages, high demand for services, budget constraints, and inadequate barracks. CSP Brima Kamara clarified that checkpoints are for security, not revenue generation.