Hastings, 7 May 2026 – The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr William Fayia Sellu, has addressed police recruits currently undergoing training at the Sierra Leone Police Peacekeeping and Law Enforcement Academy (SILEA), Hastings, where he emphasised discipline, professionalism, and strict adherence to the rules and regulations of the Sierra Leone Police (SLP).
Speaking to the recruits, IGP Sellu described discipline as the bedrock of the SLP and admonished them to conduct themselves in accordance with the standing orders governing the training school.
The IGP strongly warned the recruits against the use of drugs and other illegal substances, stressing that the SLP maintains a zero-tolerance policy on drug-related activities.
“Anyone found with even a single tablet of tramadol or any other illegal substance will be expelled from the training school,” the IGP warned.
He further noted that recruits who fail to meet the required standards during the training process would not participate in the Passing-Out Parade.
IGP Sellu commended the instructors for their commitment and dedication to shaping the recruits into disciplined police officers.
“You are the potters and they are the clay; therefore, they should be moulded into the kind of officers the institution desires,” he stated.
The IGP also called on the Commandant to prioritise the welfare of the recruits, describing it as essential to effective training. He discouraged the practice of individuals selling food to recruits, emphasising that trainees should rely on meals officially provided by the institution.
To address water challenges at the academy, the IGP promised to facilitate the construction of two solar-powered boreholes within the training school as part of efforts to resolve the water crisis.
He further disclosed that he would conduct unannounced visits to the academy to monitor the conduct and progress of the recruits.
IGP Sellu instructed the Commandant not to issue passes to recruits until after the completion of three months of training. He also warned against the use of mobile phones during training sessions, noting that any recruit caught recording or posting training activities online would face severe disciplinary action in accordance with SLP regulations.
The IGP informed the recruits that periodic assessments and tests would be conducted throughout the training period to evaluate their suitability for service. He added that female recruits would also undergo pregnancy tests, warning that anyone who fails to meet the required standards would be dismissed from the training school.
Encouraging female recruits to participate actively in all aspects of the training, IGP Sellu reaffirmed the SLP’s commitment to gender equality and inclusiveness within the organisation.
He explained that the removal of the “W” from the former designation “WPC” (Woman Police Constable) was intended to promote equality between male and female officers, adding that both are now referred to simply as “PC” (Police Constable).
The IGP further informed the recruits that Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs), Directors of various departments, and representatives from other Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) would soon visit the academy to deliver lectures on the functions and responsibilities of their respective institutions.
He also disclosed that family members would be allowed to visit recruits on Sundays.
The visit concluded with a conducted tour aimed at assessing the training facilities, during which IGP Sellu inspected billets and other key areas of the academy while making recommendations to the Commandant and his staff for the necessary actions.
SLP Media Team
