The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) released its annual crime report, highlighting a slight overall decrease in crime rates for 2023 compared to the previous year.

The report, which covers incidents reported from January to December 2023, underscores the strategic importance of understanding crime trends for both SLP management and the government of Sierra Leone.

Key objectives include optimizing resource allocation, aiding law enforcement in identifying and apprehending criminals, and formulating targeted crime prevention measures.

According to the findings, a total of 30,491 criminal and road crash cases were reported and investigated nationwide, resulting in an overall crime rate of 0.35%. While this represents a slight reduction of 0.4% compared to the previous year, it continues a trend of decreasing crime rates observed over recent years.

Related News

Notably, Sierra Leone has garnered recognition for its improving security landscape, ranking third in Africa as the most peaceful country and leading in West Africa, attributing this achievement to concerted efforts in crime prevention and law enforcement.

Several factors have been attributed to the decline in crime rates, including enhanced community engagement, improved logistical support such as patrol vehicles, and better operational coordination among security agencies. Additionally, increased inter-institutional collaboration and the implementation of strategic measures like mounting checkpoints at strategic points have contributed to this positive trend.

Regional analysis reveals variations in crime rates across different areas of Sierra Leone. The Western Area, comprising Freetown East and Freetown West, reported the highest number of cases at 62%, followed by the Northern Region with 17%, the Southern Region with 11%, and the Eastern Region with 10%. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions in regions with higher crime prevalence.

The report also delves into specific divisions within the SLP, focusing on major offences such as homicide, robbery with aggravation, and robbery with violence. Notably, the Family Support Unit recorded a decrease in reported cases compared to the previous year, particularly in domestic violence, child offences, and sexual offences.

Moreover, the report sheds light on traffic management issues, with a decrease in traffic accident cases compared to the previous year. The Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU) investigated numerous cases, demonstrating efforts to combat cross-border criminal activities. Additionally, cases of assault on police officers and land-related crimes were addressed within the report.