By: Saidu Jalloh
In a significant step towards modernizing law enforcement, the Inspector General of the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), Mr. William Fayia Sellu, graced the installation of a Starlink wireless internet system at the Freetown-East Regional Headquarters, located at Ross Road Police Station.
This initiative is part of the SLP’s commitment to transition from a traditional policing force to a technologically advanced service model, aligning with contemporary trends in crime and cybersecurity.
Upon receiving the new technology, Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Francis Brima Meinday, who represented the Inspector General at the event, expressed profound gratitude for the ongoing efforts to enhance the capabilities of the Freetown-East Regional Headquarters. He highlighted the valuable benefits this modern technology will bring, including improved live reporting, enhanced internet communication, data analysis capabilities, and robust cybercrime investigations.
CSP Emmanuel Kpulun, Local Unit Commander of the Harbour Police Division, also commended the Inspector General’s visionary leadership, emphasizing the importance of such advancements in transforming police operations.
In a detailed interview, Desmond Pratt and Mohamed Ibrahim Samura, representatives from World Link, elaborated on the workings of Starlink. They described it as a satellite internet service that utilizes a large constellation of small satellites orbiting the Earth at low altitudes. This innovative system ensures fast, high-speed internet access, with download speeds ranging from 50 Mbps to 220 Mbps, significantly enhancing the operational efficiency of the police.
The introduction of Starlink is expected to broaden the knowledge of SLP personnel on global technological innovations, facilitating a smoother transition to modern policing practices as the Sierra Leone Police continues its evolution into a service-oriented institution.