The Family Support Unit (FSU) of the Sierra Leone Police has conducted a one-day specialized training on diversion and referral pathways for frontline supervisors in the Freetown-West Region, as part of efforts to strengthen child justice practices.
The training, held on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at the Regional Headquarters Conference Hall in Lumley, was facilitated by a team from FSU Headquarters led by Operations Officer Abu Bakar Kanu. It brought together 25 participants, including line managers, JPO Crime officers, and NCO Crime officers.
Welcoming the facilitators, the Regional Police Commander for Freetown-West, Sylvester M.N Koroma, expressed appreciation for the initiative, noting its importance in strengthening the capacity of officers handling child-related cases.
The training focused on equipping frontline supervisors with practical knowledge of diversion procedures, referral mechanisms, and support services aimed at reducing child detention and promoting rehabilitation. It also emphasized proper documentation and referral formats required when handling cases involving children.
Sessions covered key areas such as the meaning and objectives of diversion, relevant laws and provisions, diversion programmes, rehabilitation measures, pre-trial investigations, detention and support services, as well as appropriate techniques for interviewing children in conflict with the law.
The initiative aligns with the provisions of the Child Rights Act 2025, particularly its emphasis on alternatives to detention for child offenders and the promotion of restorative justice approaches.
Participants reported a significant improvement in their understanding of diversion within the child justice system, along with enhanced practical skills to apply these measures effectively. The training is expected to strengthen the FSU’s ability to support diversion processes and improve outcomes for children in conflict with the law.
In his closing remarks, AIG Sylvester M.N Koroma underscored the importance of regular capacity-building programmes to ensure that FSU frontline supervisors remain well-versed in relevant laws and modern investigative techniques.