By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Inspector General of Police (IGP) William Fayia Sellu has welcomed Individual Police Officers (IPOs) returning from a peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, informing them of major developments within the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) during their absence.
Addressing the officers at Police Headquarters in Freetown, IGP Sellu emphasized that international peacekeeping missions are not only about supporting conflict-affected nations but also serve as valuable opportunities for professional growth and capacity building. He urged the returning officers to use their experience to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Highlighting the ongoing transformation within the SLP, IGP Sellu announced that the institution is transitioning from a traditional “Force” to a modern “Service” model. This shift, he explained, is designed to make the police more people-centred and community-oriented.
“This transformation is a fundamental step toward building a professional, trusted, and citizen-focused police service,” the IGP said. “Ghana was used as a benchmark in this process. We visited the Ghana Police Service because they have successfully transitioned to a service model in West Africa.
He noted that while the transformation requires substantial financial resources, it cannot be funded by the government alone. To this end, the SLP has partnered with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which is playing a lead role in facilitating the reform process.
IGP Sellu also disclosed that the 1964 Police Act and the 2001 Police Disciplinary Regulations have been reviewed and are currently awaiting parliamentary approval. These legislative updates, he said, will provide a legal framework for the reforms and ensure that the SLP operates under modern standards of accountability and professionalism.
Looking ahead, the IGP revealed that the SLP is working with international partners, including foreign embassies, to provide national and international training opportunities for officers. He encouraged the returning IPOs to remain committed and proactive in order to benefit from these programs.
He warned against complacency and criticized officers who disengage from national duties after serving on peacekeeping missions. “Others have been working while you were away. Now that you are back, it is time to give back to your country,” he stated.
IGP Sellu also highlighted Sierra Leone’s progress in global peace rankings. “Our country has made tremendous strides in maintaining peace. Sierra Leone now ranks 57th globally, 5th in Africa, 2nd in West Africa, and 1st in the Mano River Union,” he proudly declared.
He concluded by urging the officers to stay focused on their responsibilities and ignore distractions that could derail their commitment to service. “This is a time for dedication, not division,” he said. “Let your actions reflect the discipline and professionalism you have acquired abroad.”
The engagement served as both a welcome and a strategic update, reinforcing the role of returning officers in the ongoing transformation of the Sierra Leone Police and the broader pursuit of peace and national development.
