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The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has taken a significant step toward strengthening its response to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) through a specialised capacity-building training for Family Support Unit (FSU) investigators and Court Prosecutors.
A total of 44 officers benefited from the intensive one-day training held on Thursday, 2 July 2026, at the Buxton Memorial Hall on Charles Street in Freetown. The initiative was organised by LAWYERS with support from Comic Relief as part of ongoing efforts to enhance justice delivery for vulnerable groups.
The training focused on improving the professionalism and effectiveness of SLP personnel in handling SGBV cases, equipping participants with practical skills in evidence collection, survivor-centred investigations, victim interviewing, and case management. It also strengthened participants’ understanding of the legal and policy frameworks guiding SGBV response in Sierra Leone.
Particular emphasis was placed on enhancing collaboration between the Family Support Unit, prosecutors, healthcare providers, and social welfare actors—an approach seen as critical to improving case outcomes and increasing conviction rates.
The initiative comes as the SLP continues to address challenges affecting the successful prosecution of SGBV cases, including gaps in evidence management and inter-agency coordination. By strengthening the capacity of frontline officers, the Police aim to ensure more effective investigations and improved courtroom performance.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Head of the Family Support Unit, Superintendent Mohamed S. Y. Mansaray, underscored the importance of professionalism and empathy in handling such cases.
“This training is both timely and essential. Survivors deserve dignity, compassion, and professionalism. Every officer has a duty to uphold the law, protect the vulnerable, and ensure that justice is served,” he said.
The training aligns with the SLP’s “Force for Good” policing agenda, reinforcing its commitment to delivering accountable, survivor-centred services while boosting public confidence in the criminal justice system.
The programme forms part of the “Enhancing Access to Justice for Vulnerable Women and Girls Project,” which seeks to strengthen institutional capacity and promote a more responsive and inclusive justice system in Sierra Leone.
