By: Mohamed Sahr
In their relentless effort to bridge the friction between policing and good journalism across the country, the Sierra Leone Police has trained a host of journalists on needs assessment and information flow at the Senior Police Officers’ Mess in Kingtom on Tuesday 28th March 2023.
When giving the keynote address, William Fayia Sellu, Inspector General of Police said the training creates an opportunity to build the relationship between the police and journalists as well as understand the roles and responsibilities of the two parties, especially in their daily conduct of various functions; alluding that the Sierra Leone Police is guided by principles of legality, professionalism, necessity and accountability. He stated that they realized to meet and discuss with journalists to provide a remedy to the burning challenges overtime between them.
IG Sellu emphasized that the press and the police should work as a family and be each other’s keepers. ‘’The rationale behind this training is to understand each other in the discharge of various functions. If we do this, we will know the dos and don’ts guiding each other and there will be no misperception,’’ Inspector General Police said. He furthered that journalists should set the record strength by giving the public the correct information without biased or prejudice.
He asserted that the focus of the training was not on how to handle the situation, particularly the flow of information during the election period but on the occurring sustainable relationship between the police and journalist as a way of enhancing development and coexisting on common ground. Inspector General Fayia Sellu urged journalists not to rest their shoulders on the certificates given, but to replicate what has been learnt. IG Sellu affirmed that the Sierra Leone Police remain committed to providing continuous training and support to journalists nationwide. ‘’The relationship between us seems to be sustainable and it should be an ongoing matrimony,’’ William Fayia Sellu said.
Brima Kamara, Assistant Commissioner of Police who also doubles as the Head of Media for the Sierra Leone Police and one of the Facilitators during the training revealed that there had been friction over the years between the police and journalists but the training which revolves around needs assessment identified the gap as well provide a fashionable solution to ameliorate such ageing challenges between the two professions. ACP Kamara said the training highlighted possible roles and responsibilities of the Fourth Estate and the Sierra Leone Police to have a progressing synergy. ‘’The Police Act of 1964 provides the powers and functions of the police which we must adhere to in our everyday duties,’’ Media One said.
He believed that all that have been learnt would be replicated in the works of the journalists, especially when dealing with matters relating to police and the public. ACP Kamara felt optimistic that there would be a resemblance of peace and harmony even before and after the elections.
Dr. Ibriham Seaga Shaw, Chairman and Information Commissioner of the Right to Access Information Commission said the training shows that the Sierra Leone Police are ready to consistently supply information to the journalists. He stated that the training would foster better understanding between the two parties and equally build trust among them. Commissioner Shaw said aside from that, the Rights to Access Information Act provide limitations to the people seeking information, and these limitations gear towards promoting public interests.
Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) thanked the Sierra Leone Police for hosting such training; adding that this type of session aims towards supporting the role of each other as a way of enforcing democracy. He hoped that the safety of journalists is now guaranteed and assured. President Nasrallah emphasized that they would continue to strengthen the relationship between the journalists and the Sierra Leone Police.
Ansumana Conteh, Deputy Superintendent of Police and Operation Officer attached to the Eastern Police Division said the training would strive to revive the relationship between the police and journalists. He furthered that in addition to what he has gained during the session, he would endeavor to cascade the message to his junior officers, particularly during operations.
Alusine Fullah, Reporter for Expo Media felt honored for being part of the training. He stated that the dying grudge otherwise malice that was existing between the Sierra Leone Police and the Journalists has been buried as a result of the training being held; noting that the training has made it easy even when reporting on human interests stories for public consumption.
