Sierra Leone Police Prepare for Transition from ‘Force to Service’

In a significant step toward reform, the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) is gearing up for a transformative initiative to shift its operational ethos from “Force to Service.”

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. William Fayia Sellu, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative, Mr. Fredrick Ampiah, will host a series of nationwide town hall meetings to prepare police officers and stakeholders for this transition, which is set to officially commence in 2025.

This initiative follows a recent working visit by the IGP and other government officials to Ghana, where they studied the country’s community policing model. Insights gained during the visit will inform the effective implementation of Sierra Leone’s new approach to policing.

Supported by the UNDP, a range of reform activities have already begun to ensure a smooth transition. The upcoming town hall meetings, scheduled for December 17th and 18th, 2024, will engage diverse participants, including members of the Local Policing Partnership Board, university students, schoolchildren, teachers, bike riders, motor drivers, market women, traditional leaders, religious leaders, youth and women’s groups, civil society organizations, and police personnel across all divisions in the Western Area of Freetown.

In January 2025, similar engagements will be extended to provincial regions to ensure comprehensive stakeholder involvement in this pivotal reform. IGP Sellu has reiterated his commitment to the transition, emphasizing its potential to enhance the reputation, value, and respect afforded to the Sierra Leone Police.

The December meetings will serve as a platform to share key messages about the transition. To support this process, the SLP Media Team, with assistance from the UNDP, has developed strategic communication materials aimed at promoting awareness and understanding of the reforms.