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The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) is set for major reform with the comprehensive review of the Police Act, a process driven by Inspector General of Police William Fayia Sellu.
During a stakeholders’ validation workshop organized by the Law Reform Commission at the Bank Complex in Kingtom, Freetown, IGP Sellu emphasized the critical need to update the decades-old legislation governing police operations.
Expressing optimism about the draft report, IGP Sellu highlighted that the Police Act review represents a milestone in the evolution of the SLP.
“Since the end of our civil conflict, there have been numerous reforms in the SLP, yet none have targeted the Police Act, which is essential for providing operational legitimacy to our institution,” he stated.
According to Sellu, the updated Act is expected to support “Local Needs Policing,” a community-centered model designed to ease court burdens by empowering traditional leaders to handle minor offenses locally. This approach, Sellu noted, fosters cooperation between the police and local communities.
The review aligns with the SLP’s ongoing transition from a ‘Force’ to a ‘Service’, emphasizing a people-centered policing philosophy that prioritizes public trust and collaboration.
“My management has been committed to this transition. It highlights the essence of our reform efforts,” Sellu said, underscoring the reform’s significance in aligning SLP operations with modern, community-driven policing standards.
IGP Sellu concluded by extending his gratitude to all stakeholders involved in shaping the revised Police Act, which he views as essential for the institution’s future.
