Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has presented their budget proposal for the fiscal year 2024 for the attention of the government for their smooth operations.
This was done during the recent budget hearings at the Ministry of Finance, where they requested approximately Le501 billion (in old notes) to fund their day-to-day operations, detailing various essential activities and initiatives they aim to undertake in the coming year (2024).
Sahr Senessie, Assistant Inspector General of Police led the proposed budget request at the Ministry of Finance, and Chief Superintendent Alieu Turay, Head of Procurement at the Sierra Leone Police, underscored the multifaceted responsibilities of the police force which encompasses safeguarding lives and property, maintaining law and order, and upholding public peace and tranquility.
According to reports, the initial budget ceiling for the Sierra Leone Police in the fiscal year 2024 was set at Le307.806 billion, for which the force has requested approximately Le501 billion, representing an increase of over Le193 billion as per their planned activities.
He mentioned their total involvement in various activities that extend beyond traditional law enforcement, which can be demanding as he justified their budget request for the 2024 financial year, adding that, among their key priorities for the upcoming year are the acquisition of 35 new police patrol vehicles, the recruitment of 1000 police personnel, and the completion of the Aberdeen Division Police Headquarters, along with other initiatives for which there is need for the increment in the budget.
So what is left for the poor