In a decisive move to strengthen law enforcement and enhance public safety across the country, the Minister of Internal Affairs, AIG (Rtd.) Morie Lengor Esq., has called on police officers to uphold the highest standards of discipline, professionalism, and accountability in the execution of their duties.
The Minister made the call during a high-level engagement with the Sierra Leone Police Tasking and Coordinating Group held at the Kingtom Senior Police Officers Mess in Freetown on Friday, June 5, 2026. The meeting brought together Local Unit Commanders, Operations Officers, Crime Officers, Support Officers, Duty Traffic Officers, and District Traffic Officers from across the country to discuss critical security and operational concerns.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Lengor underscored the importance of intelligence-led policing as a key strategy in combating crime and maintaining public order. He urged officers to remain vigilant and proactive, particularly during the rainy season when criminal activities often increase in certain communities.
The Internal Affairs Minister stressed that the public expects law enforcement officers to perform their duties with integrity, fairness, and professionalism. While commending the police for their continued service to the nation, he emphasized that discipline must remain the cornerstone of effective policing.
He issued a stern warning against alleged acts of extortion and misconduct at police checkpoints, noting that such practices undermine public confidence in the force. According to the Minister, any officer found engaging in unlawful conduct will face appropriate disciplinary measures. He further stated that Local Unit Commanders would be held accountable for incidents occurring within their areas of responsibility.
Minister Lengor also expressed concern over delays in handling investigations at police stations across the country. He instructed officers to ensure that pending cases are processed promptly and efficiently so that justice can be delivered without unnecessary delays. He maintained that timely investigations are essential to maintaining public trust in the criminal justice system.
The Minister further challenged police personnel to intensify efforts aimed at tackling indiscipline and growing lawlessness, stressing that maintaining peace and security remains a shared national responsibility.
Responding to the Minister’s remarks, Inspector General of Police William Fayia Sellu described the engagement as both timely and important. He noted that the Sierra Leone Police leadership has consistently encouraged officers at all levels to remain vigilant, uphold professional standards, and ensure effective security coverage in their operational areas.
The Inspector General reassured officers of his unwavering support in the lawful discharge of their responsibilities. At the same time, he encouraged personnel to report instances of misconduct within the force, emphasizing that accountability and transparency are essential to institutional credibility.
He expressed confidence that the directives and recommendations emerging from the meeting would lead to noticeable improvements in police performance and service delivery in the weeks ahead.
During the engagement, police officers openly discussed a range of operational challenges affecting their work, including logistical constraints and other issues impacting efficiency. They appealed for continued support from both the Ministry of Internal Affairs and police leadership to help address these concerns and improve overall effectiveness.
Adding her voice to the discussion, Local Unit Commander of the Eastern Police Division, Genivieve Cowan, welcomed the Minister’s intervention and highlighted concerns about declining respect for senior officers among some members of the force. She emphasized that professionalism, integrity, and respect for authority must remain fundamental values within the Sierra Leone Police.
The meeting concluded with renewed commitments from both police leadership and the Ministry of Internal Affairs to strengthen accountability, improve operational effectiveness, and reinforce public confidence in law enforcement. Participants left with a shared determination to enhance security coordination and ensure safer communities across Sierra Leone.