The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) on Wednesday, 6th May 2026, unveiled an online television platform as part of its ongoing transformation agenda aimed at enhancing transparency, public engagement, and effective service delivery.
Speaking during an inclusive interview, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr William Fayia Sellu, highlighted a series of reforms and developmental strides undertaken under his leadership.
He noted that the SLP has embarked on significant infrastructural expansion, including the construction and upgrading of key facilities such as the Mattru Police Stationβnow regarded as the largest in the countryβas well as the Aberdeen Police Station and the Ross Road Regional Police Headquarters.
The IGP further disclosed that the SLP has intensified both local and international training programmes to strengthen the capacity of its personnel. In the area of maritime security, the SLP has procured fibre boats to enhance patrols along coastal and inland waterways.
Efforts to strengthen communication across the Force have also been prioritised, with the revitalisation of the police radio communication system to ensure effective nationwide coordination.
Additionally, the implementation of the Safe City Projectβfeaturing the installation of CCTV cameras in Freetown and provincial headquartersβhas significantly enhanced surveillance and crime detection capabilities.
Mr Sellu also referenced the review of the Police Act of 1964, which is currently with the Attorney-General for tabling in Parliament, alongside the establishment of the SLP Community Peace Radio 91.1 FM. Although the station currently has limited coverage, plans are underway to expand its reach nationwide with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The installation of GPS devices in all police operational vehicles has improved response time and ensured the effective use of police resources.
In a further demonstration of modernisation, the SLP has developed a drone corridor, with designated drones capable of deploying tear gas canisters for riot control when necessary.
Addressing police welfare, the IGP emphasised improvements in healthcare services, including the upgrading of the police hospital to a teaching facility equipped with advanced medical equipment, as well as the provision of free surgical operations for personnel and members of the public.
Central to these reforms is the SLPβs transition from a βForceβ to a βServiceβ, a concept supported by the Government of Sierra Leone and the UNDP. As part of this initiative, a delegation led by the IGP, alongside the UNDP Resident Representative, Mr Frederick Ampiah, visited Ghana to study best practices, as Ghana embarked on a similar transition much earlier than the Sierra Leone .
Following the visit, a technical committee was established to guide legal, institutional, and infrastructural reforms. Nationwide town hall meetings have since been conducted, engaging police officers, stakeholders, and citizens. The Honourable Vice President, Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, led one such town hall meeting in Port Loko.
The transition was informed by a threat assessment survey, which revealed that 40 per cent of police officers had been assaulted in the line of duty, highlighting a significant trust deficit between the police and the public. The new approach prioritises community engagement and partnership as key pillars of modern policing.
The launch of the SLP Online TV is expected to complement these efforts by providing a platform for the police to tell their own stories both locally and internationally. It will also create opportunities for public participation by amplifying citizensβ voices, opinions, and feedback on policing activities.
The SLP is encouraging members of the public to support law enforcement efforts by sharing timely and credible information related to safety, security, and crime prevention.
The SLP Media Team is set to roll out a series of engagements featuring police commanders and community members as part of efforts to promote inclusive and effective policing nationwide.
SLP Media Team
