The Public Sector Reform Unit (PSRU), tasked with conducting system reviews of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to identify institutional weaknesses and recommend improvements for effective service delivery, has launched a Management and Functional Review (MFR) of the Independent Police Complaints Board (IPCB).

This review follows a formal request from the IPCB Secretariat for a comprehensive assessment of its structure and operations.

The Chairman of the IPCB, Saa Kpulun, stated that the review aims to improve the agency’s service delivery, adapt to emerging trends, and ensure it effectively carries out its mandate of providing civilian oversight over the Sierra Leone Police. He emphasized the importance of the exercise in enhancing the IPCB’s operational efficiency and effectiveness in promoting transparency and accountability within the police force.

Rashid Kabba, Executive Board Secretary of the IPCB, further underscored the significance of the review, noting that it is critical to improving the IPCB’s role as an oversight body and ensuring that it remains aligned with best practices in law enforcement monitoring.

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In response to the IPCB’s request, Sulaiman Phoray-Musa, Director of the PSRU, approved the review and organized an inception meeting with the PSRU technical team and IPCB officials. The meeting, held at the IPCB headquarters in New England Ville, outlined the scope methodology, and timeline for the review.

During the meeting, Albert Williams, Head of Program at PSRU, explained that the BMFR would examine potential overlaps in the IPCB’s functions with other government bodies. The review will also compare similar oversight institutions across West Africa to identify best practices that could be implemented in Sierra Leone. A final report, including an implementation framework, will be submitted to the Technical Working Group, the Steering Committee on Public Sector Reform, and subsequently to Cabinet for approval.

Idriss Koroma, Head of Institutional Reforms at PSRU, noted that the review aligns with Cluster Five of the Medium-Term National Development Plan, which focuses on strengthening the public sector and improving governance.

On March 12, 2025, the IPCB, along with three other institutions (PPRC, SLBC, and IMC), was invited to a meeting at the PSRU chaired by Director Sulaiman Phoray-Musa.

During the meeting, the Government, through the Steering Committee on the Tripartite Report, expressed full support for the MFR of key Elections Management Bodies (EMBs). The primary objectives of the MFR include strengthening institutional capacity, improving service delivery, and ensuring alignment with national development priorities. Director Phoray-Musa emphasized the need for full cooperation and transparency throughout the review process, highlighting that the outcome will guide reforms to increase efficiency and accountability within EMBs. He Further emphasized that the MFR is a government-backed, fast-tracked initiative with a three-month timeline.

In addition to the MFR, the IPCB is undergoing a separate legal reform process, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the “Strengthening the Rule of Law, Human Rights, Justice, and Security” project. This project, which began in 2019, aims to transform the IPCB into an Independent Police Oversight Commission with a broader mandate and enhanced legal authority.

Although progress on the legal reform was slowed by the COVID 19 pandemic in 2020, once completed, the reformed body will have the authority to oversee not only the Sierra Leone Police but also the Metropolitan and Chiefdom Police forces. It will also have the power to establish a legal department to enforce the outcomes of investigations.

Saa Kpulun, Chairman of the IPCB, stressed that the ongoing review and reforms are crucial steps toward enhancing police accountability and building public trust in law enforcement institutions.

The IPCB, established in July 2013 under section 158 of the Constitution of Sierra Leone, serves as a civilian oversight body for the Sierra Leone Police. Its functions are outlined in the Independent Police Complaints Board Regulations, 2013, which provide a framework for addressing complaints against the police and ensuring greater accountability within the force.