By Prince J Musa in Kenema
The Inspector- General of Police (IGP) William Fayia Sellu has cautioned police personnel attached to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in the Sierra Leone Police to be professional while carrying out their duties.
He was addressing personnel at the Annual Police retreat at Albertson Hotel in Kenema from the 24th to the 25th of November 2023.
Sellu said the retreat was to evaluate themselves for 2023 so that they can be frank to assess their performances and consult other people on how they can improve on their services in prosecuting matters in court. He said it was time for officers at CID to change the old way of doing police work.
He stated that the Sierra Leone Police Force as an institution has serious challenges in the area of investigation and prosecution that cut across, with some officers having not improved over the years.
He added that under his leadership, he wanted to see some tangible transformation in the investigation and prosecution as most police officers take sides in matters for money rather than doing what is required by legal instrument.
The IGP further stressed that what the CID personnel are undertaking will bring some constructive and positive change in conducting their duties, noting that Local Unit Commanders should pay keen attention to the CID and operations division within their jurisdiction.
“We can no longer manage people that are incapable of performing well in the services at this level after several years in- service training,’’ he said.
He told LUCs and Commanders that anyone who fails to take leadership would be immediately transferred and warned them to behave well. He urged the Head of CID to come up with refresher training for investigators that will last five days and commended the government for the support given to police.
Consultant Retired Deputy Commissioner of Police Mohamed Ahmadu commended the IGP for his leadership as they continue to work together to upgrade the Force. He told the officers to take advantage of the current leadership of the establishment
Police Director of Crime Services, Commissioner Joseph Lahai thanked the IGP for what he said were the professional advices. He promised to continue supervising senior officers in doing their job in line with the vision of the IGP and President Julius Maada Bio.
He said they want to see how to improve their activities as SLPs depend purely on CID activities. He noted that if the CID fails then the Sierra Leone police have failed the nation and called on all to act professionally in serving the nation.
Copyright © 2023 Politico (01/12/23)
