By: Aaron Bundu Lahai-Head of Media & Public Relations
The Honourable Vice President of Sierra Leone Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh has on Thursday 3rd October, 2024 decorated twenty-five promoted commanders of the Sierra Leone Police. As Chairman of the Police Council, the Honourable Vice President expressed satisfaction in the work of the SLP, stressing that he is happy to see the SLP improved and reduced crime in the country. “I want to use this opportunity on behalf the Commander in Chief His Excellency Dr Julius Maada Bio, that the safety and security of the country and the people of Sierra Leone is assured hundred percent,” Dr Jalloh emphasized. He reechoed that the Government of Sierra Leone is on top of security situation and will continue to provide security that people of Sierra Leone need for development to thrive, and for the ordinary Sierra Leoneans especially business people to trade without fear.
Vice President Jalloh informed about the review of the promotion criteria for the SLP undertaken by the New Direction Government in 2018. One of the review criteria for promotion he stated includes continuous appraisals with recommendations from senior officers with the police Force. He further stated training including domestic and international as the second criterion for promotion to ensure competency. noting that training is important to eliminate praise singing associated with promotion in the past. The third promotion criterion, Vice President Jalloh stated is competency interviews by the Sierra Leone Police Council meant to test their experience and training especially their professionalism in public engagement.
Dr Jalloh assured the promoted officers that the Police Council will do justice when there is vacancy for any of the two hierarchical positions in the Force. He admonished the promoted officers that they are servant for the people of Sierra Leone since the Force is supported from the taxes paid by the public. He informed them that they are entrusted with the responsibility to provide security and safety for citizens to move freely in the country. “You are here to serve the people of Sierra Leone, to serve the citizens, and to be loyal to civilian power” he reiterated.
He reminded the police that professionalism is core for promotion to the top echelon of the SLP, adding that the promoted officers and the general police present at the ceremony should be aware that the public is watching their activities. He stressed that the exhibition of professionalism by senior officers is not only for promotion but for public recognition in the discharge of duties, furthering that professionalism is not just about training but conduct and execution of duties.
Vice President Jalloh congratulated the promoted officers, and thanked the Inspector General of the Sierra Leone Police for organizing the ceremony. He said the ceremony is important for the honouring and celebration of the promoted officers who have worked hard with dedication over the years.
The Inspector General of the Sierra Leone Police William Fayia Sellu who spoke on the purpose for organizing the ceremony said that the programme was meant to recognize colleagues who have distinguished themselves in their careers, and for celebrating their promotion through decoration. He described promotion as additional responsibilities given to an upgrade officer. He encouraged the promoted officers to double their efforts with the new responsibilities in the Police Force. He encouraged the promoted officers to renew their commitment, strengths, and determination of the decoration ceremony.
One of the females, promoted to Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police Esther Mary Kaintor Dukuray who gave the vote of thanks, described the decoration ceremony as a significant milestone in the career of the promoted senior officers. She said the promotion is not just a personal achievement but a reflection of the collective efforts and beliefs in the abilities of the promoted officers. She extended deepest thanks to President Julius Maada Bio on behalf of her colleagues for his visionary leadership and continue support towards the empowerment of women in Sierra Leone, and for his unwavering commitment in promoting gender equality that is evidenced in the landmark Gender Equality and Women Empowerment Act 2022.
She appreciated the leadership of the SLP for the dedication to fostering an environment where competence and diversity are celebrated. She stated that the promotion of five women along her male colleagues was a demonstration of commitment to inclusivity and equity. Of the twenty-five promoted senior officers were twenty men and five women to the ranks of AIG, Commissioner, and Assistant Commissioner (ACP).
