The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. William Fayia Sellu, has addressed police recruits undergoing training at the Sierra Leone Police Peacekeeping and Law Enforcement Academy (SILEA) in Hastings, urging them to uphold discipline, professionalism, and strict compliance with the rules and regulations of the Sierra Leone Police (SLP).
Speaking to the recruits, IGP Sellu described discipline as the foundation of the SLP and strongly advised them to adhere to the standing orders governing the training institution.
The IGP issued a stern warning against the use of drugs and other illegal substances, reaffirming the SLP’s zero-tolerance policy on drug-related offences.
“Anyone found with even a single tablet of tramadol or any other illegal substance will be expelled from the training school,” he warned.
He further stated that recruits who fail to meet the required standards during training will not be allowed to participate in the Passing-Out Parade.
IGP Sellu commended instructors at the academy for their dedication and commitment to shaping recruits into disciplined police officers.
“You are the potters, and they are the clay; therefore, they must be moulded into the kind of officers the institution desires,” he said.
He also instructed the Commandant to prioritize the welfare of recruits, noting that proper welfare is essential for effective training. He discouraged the sale of food to recruits by private individuals, stressing that trainees should rely solely on meals provided by the institution.
To address water challenges at the academy, the IGP pledged to facilitate the construction of two solar-powered boreholes within the training facility as part of efforts to improve water supply.
He also announced plans for unannounced visits to the academy to monitor training standards and recruit conduct.
IGP Sellu directed that recruits should not be granted passes until they have completed at least three months of training. He also prohibited the use of mobile phones during training sessions, warning that any recruit caught recording or sharing training activities online would face strict disciplinary action in line with SLP regulations.
He further explained that recruits would undergo periodic assessments and examinations throughout the training period to determine their suitability for police service. He also stated that female recruits would undergo pregnancy testing, warning that failure to meet required standards would result in dismissal from the training programme.
Encouraging female recruits to participate fully in all training activities, IGP Sellu reaffirmed the SLP’s commitment to gender equality and inclusivity.
He explained that the removal of the “W” from the former title “WPC” (Woman Police Constable) was intended to promote equality between male and female officers, with all now referred to simply as “PC” (Police Constable).
The IGP also informed recruits that Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs), directors of various departments, and representatives from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) will soon visit the academy to deliver lectures on their respective roles and responsibilities.
He further disclosed that family members will be allowed to visit recruits on Sundays.
The visit concluded with a guided tour of the training facility, during which IGP Sellu inspected dormitories and other key infrastructure. He made several recommendations to the Commandant and staff for necessary improvements to enhance training conditions and standards.