In a bid to enhance police responsiveness to cases of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and juvenile justice, the Family Support Unit (FSU) of the Sierra Leone Police, in partnership with UNICEF, has launched an intensive four-day training programme for 40 newly transferred officers on Tuesday 21st October 2025 in Makeni.
The training, which commenced on Tuesday, is being held simultaneously at two locations: the Sierra Leone Teachers’ Union Hall in Makeni and the Pastoral Centre on New Gerihun Road in Bo. Officers from across the North East, North West, East, Southern, and Western regions have been selected for the programme.
At the opening ceremony in Makeni, Chief Inspector Lansana Tarawalie, the Training Coordinator, outlined the core objectives of the programme. He emphasized the focus on enhancing investigative procedures, improving safeguarding practices, establishing effective referral pathways, and providing psychosocial support for victims of abuse.
Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Manfred Williams, Regional Police Commander for the North East, encouraged the officers to fully commit to the training. He urged them to refine their professional conduct to meet the growing challenges of tackling violence against women and children.
ASP Francess Kargbo, FSU Coordinator for the North East Region, welcomed the decision to host the training in Makeni and underscored its significance. She addressed the participants, saying:
“This is a vital opportunity to learn the principles and practices that define effective policing in sensitive and complex cases.”
The training programme covers a range of essential topics, including investigative procedures in SGBV cases, managing child-related offences, application of arrest and search warrants, descriptions of persons and properties in investigations, procedures for identification parades, psychosocial counselling and safeguarding strategies and the roles of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and State Counsel in handling juvenile cases.
Facilitators for the programme include experts from the Office of the DPP, the Rainbo Initiative, and the Family Support Unit itself.
On Day One, SI Abdulai S. Bangura presented an in-depth overview of the FSU’s structure and operational mandate. Doris Musa, Response Supervisor at the Rainbo Initiative, and Edwig Isatu Kamara, Psychosocial Counsellor from Rainbo’s Bombali District office, later shared insights into their organisation’s collaboration with the police on SGBV and child protection issues. The day concluded with interactive case studies designed to reinforce the practical application of the training.
By the conclusion of the training on 24 October, the officers will be better equipped to handle sensitive cases involving abuse, particularly those concerning women and children. The training aims not only to improve the officers’ technical skills but also to enhance their ability to provide vital support to survivors and ensure that justice is served.