By: Audrey Raymonda John
In a significant effort to enhance the capabilities of its officers, the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) launched its inaugural Senior Strategic Leadership Course on August 26, 2024. The course, held at the Bintumani Hotel in Aberdeen, is designed for senior police officers at the strategic level. These include directors, departmental heads, and Local Unit Commanders from across the country. I
nspector General of Police (IGP) – Mr. William Fayia Sellu, who delivered the keynote address and declared the course opened, emphasized the importance of this training during the opening session. In his words, he said, “Today marks a crucial milestone for us, as this is the first large-scale Senior Strategic Leadership Course held in Sierra Leone. We have established a memorandum of understanding with the Nigeria Police Force to bolster the training of our officers. My predecessor embarked on two command courses in Nigeria, and three participants from those courses will join the two other facilitators from the National Institute of Police Studies to deliver the course for demonstrating the SLP’s commitment to leveraging their expertise.”
Upon assuming leadership of the SLP, IGP Sellu initiated discussions with the National Institute of Police Studies in Abuja, Nigeria, to review and revise the curriculum for the Senior Strategic Leadership Course.
Mr. Sellu noted that ‘through collaboration with the Chairman of the Police Council, we have developed this vital training for our senior officers.’ The course, titled “Senior Strategic Leadership Course (SSLC) No. 1/2024,” serves as a roadmap for the SLP’s four-year Strategic Development Plan.
The IGP highlighted the term “strategic,” which, he said, is derived from the German word “Strateken,” meaning to deploy troops effectively. He pointed out that participants would engage in practical discussions instead of theoretical lectures, as they aim to sharpen their skills for improved service delivery.
IGP Sellu praised the initiative as a key component of President Julius Maada Bio’s human capital development agenda. “Investing in human capital is crucial, and we are grateful to our development partners for supporting international training programs that are tailored to specific ranks,” he stated. He urged participants to focus solely on the course, emphasizing its potential to transform their policing careers.
Mr. Sellu reiterated the importance of reinforcing knowledge to prevent it from fading. “This five-day training will help participants reshape their perceptions and stand out among those who have not attended this course,” he affirmed. The SLP is currently undergoing a transition from a traditional police force to a public service-oriented organization, supported by the UNDP.
This transition is accompanied by a review of the Police Act of 1964, with a vision for long-term structural enhancement. Professor Francis Olugunsakin, who is the Director General of the National Institute of Police Studies, acknowledged the challenging nature of police work, stating, “You are often meeting individuals at the lowest points in their lives, so it’s essential to manage your challenges while serving others.” He emphasized the need for competency and the integration of practical solutions into police activities.
Director of Training – AIG Sahr Y. Senesie expressed confidence that knowledge is power, stating, “Capacity building is crucial for shaping behavior and attitude, and this strategic management course reflects IGP Sellu’s commitment to developing our senior police officers at operational and tactical levels.”
Other key contributors included Regional Police Commander for Freetown West, AIG Sylvester Momoh N. Koroma, who assured the team from Nigeria and participants that the Freetown-West region and by extension the entire country is safe and peaceful. Deputy Superintendent of Police – Alpha Kamara gave the purpose and overview of the course whilst AIG Mohamed I. Jalloh moved the vote of thanks.
