By: Audrey Raymonda John
Representatives from the INTERPOL General Secretariat in France have commenced a two-day training workshop for personnel of the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) on the effective use and management of the INTERPOL Database Management Tool (DMT).
The training is aimed at strengthening the capacity of SLP personnel to effectively manage, update, retrieve and utilize information contained in INTERPOL databases.
INTERPOL databases provide law-enforcement agencies worldwide with access to critical information on wanted persons, stolen and lost travel documents, stolen vehicles, fingerprints, DNA and other criminal records. Access to these databases is facilitated through INTERPOL’s secure I-24/7 communications system.
In his remarks, the Head of the Training Department, DSP Alpha Kamara, welcomed the INTERPOL representatives and participants, stressing the importance of continuous professional training in strengthening the capacity and effectiveness of police personnel.
DSP Kamara noted that the effective management and utilization of police information are essential for supporting investigations, intelligence gathering and international police cooperation.
He encouraged participants to take the training seriously and apply the knowledge and skills acquired in their respective duties, particularly by ensuring that police data are accurately recorded, properly managed and readily accessible when required.
Also speaking at the training, Ms. Najwa Hemri, an INTERPOL Operations Specialist from INTERPOL Headquarters in France, and ACP Sheku Bahja-Koroma, from the INTERPOL General Secretariat in France, highlighted the importance of the Database Management Tool in improving the quality, accuracy and reliability of police information.
They explained that accurate and timely data enable law-enforcement agencies to conduct effective checks, identify links between individuals and criminal activities, and strengthen cooperation with police authorities in other countries.
According to INTERPOL, its global databases generated 1.8 million hits in 2024, underscoring the operational importance of maintaining accurate, reliable and up-to-date international police information.
The INTERPOL representatives encouraged participants to make maximum use of the knowledge and skills acquired during the two-day workshop and to maintain high standards of accuracy, confidentiality and professionalism when handling police information.
The workshop forms part of broader efforts to strengthen international police cooperation, information sharing and the operational capacity of the Sierra Leone Police in combating transnational organised crime and other serious crimes.