In a pivotal move to bolster law enforcement officer’s investigative skills, the Family Support Unit (FSU) of the Sierra Leone Police has launched a nationwide five-day specialized training programme in partnership with UNICEF.
The initiative aims to equip police personnel and social workers with the essential skills needed to effectively investigate cases of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and child delinquency.
The training commenced on Monday 19th August, 2024, in three regions: the Kingtom Senior Police Officers’ Mess in the Western Area, Andro Yayay Drive Hall in Kenema, Eastern Region, and at CDHR Drive along the Mankneh Kabala Highway in Makeni, North-East Region.
The primary goals of the training are to deepen participants’ knowledge and skills in investigating SGBV and to enhance their understanding of child delinquency issues. Attendees include FSU personnel and social workers from the Ministry of Social Welfare.
The programme was officially inaugurated in the Eastern Region by the Regional Commander, alongside representatives from UNICEF’s Child Protection Office and the North-East Regional Commander. Speakers highlighted the significance of the training and urged participants to actively engage and share their insights with colleagues who could not attend.
The training included an icebreaker activity to build rapport among participants. Key discussions addressed the roles of FSU personnel and social workers in investigating SGBV cases, complemented by case studies and group discussions that examine collaborative responsibilities and risk assessments for supporting survivors during joint investigations.
Additionally, participants were introduced to international human rights instruments and standards pertinent to their work, emphasizing the importance of these principles in investigative practices.
Notable training components focused on engaging with victims and individuals with special needs, with participants practising empathy and active listening through role-playing scenarios designed to address the unique requirements of victims of human rights violations. Guides on survivor interaction offered best practices for supporting trauma survivors, employing real-life scenarios to promote critical and compassionate thinking.
Moreover, the training emphasized support strategies for child victims and witnesses, incorporating reflective exercises to help participants recognize and confront their own biases.
Discussions reinforced the importance of a survivor-centered approach, highlighting confidentiality and collaborative efforts.
To enhance understanding, participants worked in groups to identify and present barriers to effective communication within the context of SGBV and juvenile delinquency investigations.
By implementing the techniques acquired during this training, participants are expected to attain a more nuanced understanding of the complexities involved in investigating sexual and gender-based violence as well as juvenile delinquency.
This newfound knowledge will enable them to conduct effective investigations that are essential for successful prosecutions, ultimately strengthening the capabilities of Family Support Units across the country.
SLP Media Team
