Squad R12023, are fit for purpose- Says IGP Sellu

Squad R12023, are fit for purpose- Says IGP Sellu

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SILEA, Hastings Campus Saturday 11th November, 2023 After spending over seven months at the training campus, the Inspector General of Sierra Leone Police (IGP), Mr. William Fayia Sellu has informed Vice President Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, government officials, foreign dignitaries and the public that squad R12023, which comprises one thousand one hundred (1100) recruits including eight hundred and three (803) males and two hundred and ninety-seven (297) females were better trained and prepared to stand the test of time and to also face the demands of policing the State and citizens of Sierra Leone. 

Elucidating further, IGP Sellu, explained that the basic recruit training was structured in a way that brought out the best in the recruits with the view to prepare them for the future challenges. 

The training for the recruit he said was categorised into two, the General Duty (GD) and Operational Support (OS)

For the GD recruits, topics covers but not limited included basic recruit routine duties, introduction to law, community policing, crime and evidence, contemporary issues like gender and human rights, road safety management. 

For the OS policing, topics including public order management, weapon handling, field tactics, major events policing and securing facilities were thought.

He noted that current and emerging crime trend requires police to be better trained and equipped to counter and address the challenges associated with securing our communities. 

He however stated that the recruits like all other human beings are not infallible thus SLP management have preemptively put in place necessary safeguards and internal control mechanisms meant to checkmate and curtail any excesses of their police officers. 

He reiterated the Directorate of Professional Standards responsibilities in handling issues of alleged unprofessionalism conduct of Police officers. 

At all levels the SLP he said has the Complaint Discipline and Internal Investigations Department (CDIID) and the Integrity Management Committee (IMC) both helping to fight indiscipline and other forms of infractions on the 2001 Police Disciplinary Regulations. 

Even as he congratulated the recruits on their successful completion of the basic recruitment training, he reminded them that they have chosen to become members of an institution mandated to fight crime and fear of crime in the society, an institution that has the Cyber capability to fight local and transnational organised crimes, an institution that is anchor on the West Africa Police Information System (WAPIS) platform which is linked to other West African law enforcement agencies in the fight against terrorism, organised crime, money laundering and kidnapping among others, an institution that operates with other statutory bodies to maintain the security of the state, an institution that contributes to International peace and security, an institution that makes it possible for businesses to thrive because of the quality of service it provide, an institution that practices local needs policing, a policing strategy that meet the needs and expectations of our local communities but reflects national standards and objectives. 

All of these the Police Chief said has made the SLP a community oriented and people centered organisation which pride itself as a "Force for Good"

"As you opted to join the SLP, we expect you to be prepare to maintain the ideas and culture of the institution and to exhibit the highest standards of professionalism in the day to day discharge of your duties" cautioned the IGP.

He continued that the SLP maintain zero tolerance policy on drugs intake and abuse for personnel irrespective of rank. 

He emphasis that no one in the SLP is considered a sacred cow as they are all amenable to the law.

The Policy he said is straight and simple, if you are caught in drugs intake and abuse, you will be dismiss from the force and criminally prosecuted.

Several Officers he disclosed have been dismissed for drugs intake, abuse and possession and therefore they cannot renege on the policy.

He revealed the good news that squad R12023 was opportune to have been enlisted in the a force that has successfully policed one of the most peaceful elections ever conducted in the history of Sierra Leone, noting that the brilliant and professionalism exemplifies by the SLP and othe members of the security sector has won the institution praises and commendation both Nationally and Internationally but particular mention among the accolades received are from the All Political Parties Association (APPA), the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICNPC) and of course the ECOWAS Commission Chairperson who extended an invitation to the SLP to participate in an experience sharing with their Liberian counterpart on which occasion they were well represented. 

He concluded by commending His Excellency Rtd Brig Julius Maada Bio and his government for the continous support to the SLP which has led to the improvement of the force technology and innovation with cameras now installed in specific locations in the city to improve on their capacity to fight crime, established a drone corridor to facilitate in obtaining first hand pictorial and video evidence of incidences and also acquired 3 fibre boats to support the SLP maritime operations. 

He also commended the Vice President Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh who double as Chairman of the Police Council for his constant support to the realisation of the SLP vision.