By Kadiatu Sankoh
The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has officially launched its Strategic Development Plan (SDP) for 2025-2029 at the Foreign Service Academy, Tower Hill, Freetown, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s ongoing transformation. The new plan sets forth a comprehensive roadmap that will guide the SLP’s operations over the next four years, with a strong emphasis on shifting from a traditional law enforcement model to a more community-focused service.
During the launch event, Minister of Internal Affairs, Rtd. AIG Morie Lengor (Esq.), delivered a keynote address in which he commended the Inspector General of Police, Mr. William Fayia Sellu, for his remarkable achievements in reforming the police force. He acknowledged the SLP’s strides in becoming a more effective and productive institution, and emphasized the importance of the participatory approach to law enforcement. He expressed confidence in the new strategic direction, noting that a service-oriented police force would foster stronger relationships between the police and the communities they serve.
Inspector General Sellu took the opportunity to outline the key aspects of the SDP, emphasizing its role in guiding the SLP through a transition from a force to a service. He expressed appreciation for the contributions of all stakeholders involved in the formulation of the plan, including officers within the SLP, the Government of Sierra Leone, international partners such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UNFPA, various embassies, and local community representatives. He assured attendees of the SLP’s unwavering commitment to the principles of community policing, which he identified as a cornerstone of the new strategic approach. He further elaborated on the plan’s carefully crafted objectives, which are designed to align with five strategic goals and their respective outcomes. Sellu reiterated the need for collaboration between the SLP and its partners, emphasizing that collective efforts would be crucial in ensuring national security, law enforcement efficiency, and sustainable peace across the country. He also took a moment to encourage police officers to remain dedicated and steadfast in their duties, recognizing their crucial role in maintaining stability.
UNDP Resident Representative, Mr. Frederick Hans Ampiah, reaffirmed his organization’s commitment to supporting the SLP in strengthening security standards across Sierra Leone. He emphasized the vital role of policing in national development and praised the SLP’s leadership for its proactive advocacy and partnership initiatives. He noted that the UNDP has been a steadfast partner in promoting police reforms and institutional development, particularly in enhancing the operational efficiency of the SLP. Ampiah expressed confidence in the SDP’s potential to drive meaningful change, and assured continued technical and financial support from the UNDP to facilitate the implementation of the plan.
AIG Esther Mary Kaintor-Dukuray, Director of Corporate Affairs, provided insights into the development process of the SLP, highlighting that it was crafted using internal expertise within the SLP, with financial support from the UNDP. She underscored the inclusive and consultative nature of the plan’s creation, ensuring that it reflects the needs of both the police force and the communities they serve. She expressed optimism that the SDP would serve as a transformative guide in shaping the future of policing in Sierra Leone.
The launch of the 2025-2029 Strategic Development Plan signals a new era for the Sierra Leone Police, reinforcing its commitment to modern, community-centered policing. With the continued backing of the government, international partners, and local communities, the SLP is poised to enhance its service delivery, strengthen public trust, and contribute to the overall stability and development of Sierra Leone.
SLP Media Team