Sierra Leone Police Pledges Training Support to Private Security Sector APSC-SL
Alusine Ahmed Kargbo The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has pledged to strengthen cooperation with private security companies through professional training and capacity-building programmes aimed at improving standards and supporting national security.
Inspector-General of Police William Fayia Sellu made the commitment on Wednesday, 7 October, when he received officials of the newly established Association of Private Security Companies-Sierra Leone (APSC-SL) at the Senior Officers’ Mess in Kingtom, Freetown.
The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between the police and private security companies and improving professionalism within the country’s private security sector.
Sellu acknowledged the challenges associated with regulating the industry and maintaining professional standards, stressing the importance of closer cooperation among security institutions in addressing common security concerns.
He said the Sierra Leone Police was prepared to provide relevant training and capacity-building opportunities to members of APSC-SL to enhance their professional skills, effectiveness and ability to contribute to public safety.
The Inspector-General cited recent collaboration between the SLP and other institutions, including training provided to the Freetown City Council Police and the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority, as examples of how institutional cooperation can strengthen security capacity.
The engagement followed a request from APSC-SL for stronger cooperation with the police as the association prepares for its official launch on 28 November 2026.
APSC-SL Chairman Ibrahim Fofanah said the association was established to bring licensed private security companies under one umbrella and promote higher professional standards across the industry.
He said the association had completed its internal organisational processes and was committed to working within the policies and directives of the Sierra Leone Police.
Fofanah said private security companies play an important role in protecting people and property but require effective regulation, professional training and stronger institutional support to operate effectively.
He said APSC-SL aims to help sanitise the sector by promoting discipline, accountability and compliance, while ensuring that only qualified and law-abiding companies operate within the industry.
The engagement concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to closer cooperation between the Sierra Leone Police and private security companies as part of broader efforts to strengthen national security and public safety.