FREETOWN, 22 October 2026 – The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has tested a newly acquired tear-gas drone to assess its functionality and readiness for use in crowd management and public order operations.
The test exercise was carried out at several locations across Freetown and was led by the Head of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Department at Police Headquarters, ASP David A. Mbayo, together with members of the Police Drone Team.
According to the SLP Media Team, the initiative is part of the drive by the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. William Fayia Sellu, to modernise policing and enhance operational effectiveness through the responsible use of technology.
ASP Mbayo emphasised that any deployment of the equipment must be guided by strict safeguards and lawful procedures, with appropriate training, supervision and measures to minimise harm.
He stressed that the use of tear-gas drones must comply with the law and established procedures, and that indiscriminate exposure to tear gas, particularly among vulnerable persons, must be prevented.
“The use of technology in policing must remain consistent with the principles of accountability, professionalism and respect for human rights,” ASP Mbayo noted, adding that public safety, respect for human rights and the preservation of life must remain paramount.
The SLP reiterated that while it is committed to adopting modern technology to improve service delivery, operational effectiveness must go hand-in-hand with safeguards, accountability and people-centred policing.
