By Nelson Adebayo Johnson
The Sierra Leone Police, SLP, has convened a two-day workshop at the Sierra Leone Peacekeeping and Law Enforcement Academy to strengthen leadership, enhance operational effectiveness, and refine strategic planning in line with the National Threat Assessment 2026–2027.
The workshop brought together Support Officers, Heads of the Operation Support Division, Regional Coordinators, and Operations Officers from across the country.
The event forms part of the SLP’s ongoing efforts to equip officers with the skills needed to address contemporary security challenges.
Delivering the opening address, ACP Brima Kamara Esq. welcomed key figures including AIG Brima Kanneh, Regional Police Commander Freetown East, and Acting Director of Corporate Affairs CSP Brima Q. Sesay.
ACP Kamara emphasised the police force’s dedication to professional development. He said the true measure of the workshop’s success lies in how participants apply their new knowledge to improve leadership, operational performance, and service delivery.
In his keynote address, AIG Brima Kanneh conveyed greetings from the Inspector General of Police, IGP. He said he was honoured to represent the IGP at the event. Although the IGP was unable to attend due to prior commitments, he reaffirmed the police leadership’s commitment to training and development initiatives.
AIG Kanneh underscored the vital role of leadership in police success. He noted that effective decision-making and accountability at all levels directly influence public confidence, crime prevention, and community relations.
He said the workshop aligns with the ongoing transformation of the Sierra Leone Police under its 2025–2029 strategic plan, which aims to foster a more professional, accountable, and community-oriented police service.
The AIG outlined key focus areas of the training. These include operational leadership, command and control, intelligence-led policing, discipline, strategic planning, operational readiness, resource management, and inter-agency coordination.
He emphasised that these competencies are not merely theoretical but are essential skills to be demonstrated daily in police stations, divisions, and communities.
Addressing participants, AIG Kanneh stressed that leadership extends beyond rank and authority. He said it is about responsibility, integrity, and professionalism. He urged commanders to lead by example, as officers tend to emulate the conduct and standards set by their leaders.
He added that public perception of the police hinges significantly on the decisions and conduct of police commanders.
Participants were encouraged to actively engage in the workshop, share experiences, question assumptions, and learn from one another.
AIG Kanneh said the knowledge gained should translate into tangible improvements in operational planning, coordination, accountability, and public service.
He expressed gratitude to the facilitators for their expertise and practical insights, and urged participants to make the most of every session.
On behalf of the IGP, AIG Kanneh officially declared the 2026–2027 National Threat Assessment and Strategic Action Plan Workshop open. He wished participants a productive and insightful experience.
The Sierra Leone Police reaffirmed its commitment to investing in personnel development to build a professional, accountable, and responsive law enforcement institution.
