“I do everything with a human face because I know I will one day leave the office. I am therefore guided by my conscience in whatever I do.” These were the exact words of the Inspector General of Police – Mr. William Fayia Sellu when he received in audience the Ombudsman of Sierra Leone – Ahmed Israel Tejan Jah Esq., at his George Street office in Freetown, on Monday 26th February 2024.
Explaining the purpose of the visit, the Ombudsman said that it was to acquaint himself with the Inspector General, following his appointment as Ombudsman, and to also establish a smooth and cordial working relationship with him. Adding, that the courtesy visit was also meant to fully brief the IGP about series of complaints he had received from personnel of the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), bordering on alleged administrative injustices, for which he said, would require the IGP to intervene and bring to logical conclusions.
The Ombudsman spoke about his mandate which he said extends to receiving complaints of alleged administrative injustices from staff and personnel in ministries, departments, agencies, learning institutions, security forces and local councils, among others; noting that all he does is done in good faith and within the remit of good conscience.
Responding, the IGP alluded to the complaints received from the Ombudsman and promised to look into them in good faith and with clear conscience. He spoke about the SLP’s internal control mechanisms in place, which he said, are guided by the provisions of The Police (Discipline) Regulations, 2001.
Mr. Sellu revealed that all matters bordering on discipline and conduct are handled by the Directorate of Professional Standards, and that sanctions meted out against personnel for any infractions, are in line with the provisions of the Code. The IGP stressed that the SLP could not allow police officers to appear in court as accused persons when they are still considered to be serving members. Hence, he said, they are dismissed from the SLP through established procedures and then criminally investigated and charged to court as civilians.
In closing, the IGP pledged to cordially work with the Ombudsman and assured him of his unwavering support at all times, in the interest of justice. IGP Sellu extended invitation to the Ombudsman to meet with the SLP’s management team, on a meeting scheduled for Wednesday 6th March, 2024, which the Ombudsman readily consented to. He noted that the SLP is ‘happy to have oversight bodies that checkmate our conducts’; as that would help to build trust and confidence.
SLP MEDIA TEAM
