FREETOWN, Sierra Leone – Twenty-five officers of the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) have successfully completed a five-day specialised training programme on home and workplace search techniques for judicial purposes, aimed at strengthening investigative capacity and professionalism within the force.
The training, organised in partnership with the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), concluded with a certificate presentation ceremony attended by senior police officials, representatives of the Turkish government, TIKA delegates, trainers, and participating officers.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Sahr Yomba Senesi, representing the Inspector General of Police, commended both the trainers and participants for their dedication and commitment throughout the programme.
He also expressed gratitude to the Government of Turkey and TIKA for their continued support in enhancing the operational effectiveness of the Sierra Leone Police.
DIG Senesi described the training as an important step towards improving investigative expertise within the force, stressing that continuous professional development remains essential to effective policing and law enforcement.
He encouraged the officers to apply the knowledge and skills gained during the training in their respective assignments, urging them to uphold professionalism, efficiency, and integrity in the discharge of their duties.
“When you are capacitated, the sky will be your limit,” he told participants.
Representing the Government of Turkey, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Turkish Embassy, Umut Sasmaz, praised the commitment of the officers and trainers, noting that the certificates awarded symbolised their dedication to protecting and serving Sierra Leoneans.
He also highlighted the growing relationship between Turkey and Sierra Leone, describing it as a partnership built on mutual respect, cooperation, and shared development goals.
TIKA Sierra Leone Coordinator, Mirzet Muezzinoglu, said the programme marked an important milestone in the agency’s engagement with Sierra Leone. He revealed that the training is the first in a series of planned initiatives aimed at supporting human capacity development and institutional strengthening in the country.
According to him, the collaboration between TIKA and the Sierra Leone Police is expected to expand through future programmes designed to enhance skills and professional competencies.
Speaking on behalf of the trainers, Mehmet Cizmeci thanked the officers for their discipline, cooperation, and active participation throughout the course. He expressed confidence that the newly acquired skills would contribute to improved policing and strengthen ties between the two institutions.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Inspector Umu Yovonne encouraged participants to transfer the knowledge gained to colleagues across the force and serve as ambassadors of professionalism within their respective divisions.
The five-day programme brought together 25 police officers from various divisions across Sierra Leone and concluded with the presentation of certificates and a group photograph to commemorate the successful completion of the training.
Source: Sierra Leone Police Media Team
