In a groundbreaking move that signals a new era for law enforcement in Sierra Leone, the Inspector General William Fayia Sellu is leading the charge toward transforming the Sierra Leone Police Force into the Sierra Leone Police Service. This ambitious initiative is not just about changing a name; it represents a profound shift in how policing is conducted in the country, emphasizing community engagement, transparency, and collaboration.
Under Mr. Sellu’s leadership, the Sierra Leone Police Service is poised to embrace a more inclusive approach to policing, one that actively involves community stakeholders and police personnel at all levels in the decision-making process. This is a significant departure from past practices, where critical transformations within the police force were often made without the input of those most affected by these changes.
This proposed transformation is not just a reaction to past shortcomings; it is a proactive step toward a more responsive and effective policing model. Mr. Sellu’s administration is setting a precedent for future governance by prioritizing community input in shaping policies that directly impact public safety and security.
As Sierra Leone Police Force moves forward under the visionary leadership of Inspector General William Fayia Sellu, the transition to the Sierra Leone Police Service promises to be a pivotal moment in the journey toward a more accountable, transparent, and community-oriented policing framework. This initiative is not just about reforming a police force; it’s about reimagining the role of law enforcement in society, ensuring that it is a service that truly reflects and serves the needs of the people.
In an inspiring demonstration of commitment to community empowerment, the Inspector General of Sierra Leone, William Fayia Sellu, embarked on a series of pivotal engagements with community members and police personnel across the eastern region of the country. On March 13, 2025, he visited Kenema, Daru, and Kailahun, followed by a significant outreach in Bo, Pujehun, and Moyamba in the southern province on March 14, 2025. On the 15th March 2025 similar engagement was carried in Masiak and Mile 91 in the northern region of Sierra Leone.
IGP Fayia emphasized the alarming findings from the National Threat Assessment, which revealed that a staggering 45% of police officers have been assaulted while carrying out their duties. This statistic highlights a significant decline in trust between the police and the communities they serve. Furthermore, a recent perception survey indicated widespread dissatisfaction among citizens regarding police behaviour, underscoring the urgent need for reform within the police force.
These troubling revelations came at a critical juncture, coinciding with the recent Justice Sector Strategic Reform Campaign spearheaded by His Excellency Retired Brigadier Julius Maada Bio. This campaign has prompted a vital transition from viewing the police as a « force » to recognizing them as a « service. » Such a shift is essential for rebuilding community trust and enhancing public safety.
In all his address during the townhall meetings, IGP Fayia elaborated on his recent engagement with UNDP Resident Representative Mr. Fredick Ampiah, where they discussed various knowledge gaps and developmental initiatives. Following these discussions, IGP Fayia undertook a study tour to Ghana, aimed at gathering insights into effective police reform strategies that have yielded positive outcomes in similar contexts.
As a result of this initiative, a dedicated technical team has been established to ensure the proper coordination of the ongoing transformation process. This team is tasked with implementing numerous reforms designed to align the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) with international policing standards. These reforms not only aim to improve police practices but also to foster a cultureof accountability and transparency within the organization, ultimately serving to rebuild trust and enhance the relationship between the police and the communities they serve.
The commitment to these transformative efforts reflects a broader vision of creating a police service that is not only responsive to the needs of the public but also proactive in ensuring the safety and security of all citizens. Through these initiatives, IGP Fayia aims to cultivate a more professional, community-oriented police service that prioritizes the well-being of the people and upholds the principles of justice and equality
This initiative was designed to translate the theoretical framework of the community engagement plan into actionable strategies that resonate with the realities faced by local populations.
The engagement sessions were marked by open dialogue, where community members had the opportunity to voice their concerns, share their experiences, and propose solutions that address the unique challenges within their communities. Inspector General Sellu emphasized the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and citizens, highlighting that effective community policing is rooted in trust, transparency, and mutual respect.
These interactions serve as a cornerstone for fostering a more inclusive approach to governance and law enforcement in Sierra Leone, ensuring that community voices are not just heard but actively shape the policies that affect their lives.
As highlighted by Mr. Juana, a senior teacher in Pendembu, “This level of engagement with the community stakeholders is not a normal practice in the history of the Sierra Leone Police”
He added “The transformation of the armed wing originally from the Internal Security Unit (ISU) to Special Security Division (SSD) and later Operational Security Division (OSD) were discussed solely among high-ranking officials, leaving out essential contributions from the community stakeholders and lower ranks of the police force” Mr Juana further added “Mr. Sellu’s commitment to inclusivity ensures that voices from all corners of society are heard, fostering a sense of ownership and accountability within the police service”
The administrative principles of Mr Sellu by involving community stakeholders, junior officers, and middle management officers the Sierra Leone Police in discussions about the
proposed transition is cultivating a culture of collaboration that is essential for building trust between the police and the communities they serve.
The impact of these engagements bridges the gap between theory and practice, IGP of the Sierra Police is not only enhancing the operational effectiveness of the police force but also empowering citizens to take an active role in their safety and security. This innovative approach reinforces the belief that community engagement is not merely a concept; it is a powerful tool for transformation.
As Sierra Leone continues to evolve, initiatives like these are crucial in building resilient communities and fostering a culture of collaboration. The Inspector General’s dedication to engaging with citizens across various regions exemplifies a progressive vision for a safer, more connected Sierra Leone.
Abdoul Rahaman Bah
Senior Reporter
Afriqu’ Europ Media.
