In a significant move to bolster transparency and accountability within the Kenema Police Division, the Integrity Committee held an engagement on May 22, 2024, aimed at promoting these crucial values. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance the ethical standards and operational integrity of the Sierra Leone Police (SLP).

The primary function of the Integrity Committee is to oversee police conduct, investigate allegations of misconduct, address integrity issues, and ensure ethical considerations are upheld during duty. The establishment of this committee aligns with an administrative directive to implement performance reviews across Sierra Leone’s Police Divisions.

The engagement was led by Inspector Sesay, Head of the Complaint Discipline Internal Investigation Department (CDIID) in Kenema Division. The meeting took place at the office of the Local Unit Commander (LUC) of Kenema Division, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Edison Vandi. It included various Heads of Departments within the Divisional Headquarters, who collaborated on strategies to promote integrity and prevent corruption within the division.

Inspector Sesay emphasized the meeting's goals, which were to introduce committee members, outline their mandates, and discuss the priorities and challenges faced by the police leadership in fostering integrity, discipline, and ethical standards. He highlighted the importance of establishing mechanisms and strategies to build upon existing structures aimed at maintaining high ethical standards.

Chief Superintendent Edison Vandi, the Local Unit Commander of Kenema Division, expressed his gratitude to the CDIID Regional Coordinator, CSP Osman Sesay, for his role in establishing the Integrity Management Committee in Kenema. He underscored the committee’s crucial role in promoting ethical behavior, enhancing transparency, and maintaining professional standards among police officers.

During the engagement, committee members and other participants acknowledged the challenges and constraints in preventing corruption and promoting integrity. They agreed to collaborate closely with the CDIID to address these issues effectively. The participants committed to working diligently within their mandates to achieve their common goal of fostering a culture of transparency and accountability within the Kenema Police Division.

The formation of the Integrity Committee marks a significant step forward in the Kenema Police Division’s efforts to enhance transparency and accountability. It reflects a broader commitment within the Sierra Leone Police to uphold ethical standards and build public trust through proactive measures and rigorous oversight.