Sierra Leone Police Set to Boost Crime-Fighting Skills Through U.S. Partnership

April 23, 2025

The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) is preparing to upgrade its crime-fighting capabilities following a strategic meeting with officials from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

The gathering, held in Freetown, focused on building a strong partnership aimed at enhancing the skills and effectiveness of the SLP. The visiting HSI delegation, led by Kenneth Broch Ford, outlined areas of mutual interest, including combating organized crime, drug and human trafficking, cybercrime, money laundering, and counterfeit medicines.

Ford emphasized HSI’s readiness to support Sierra Leone through tailored training programs designed to meet the evolving demands of law enforcement in the country.

Inspector General of Police, William Fayia Sellu, welcomed the collaboration, underscoring the importance of continuous training in a rapidly changing criminal landscape. He noted that criminal tactics are becoming more sophisticated and highlighted the growing threat of internet scams, specifically referencing the widespread QNET fraud scheme.

Sellu expressed full support for the initiative, noting its potential to not only boost police efficiency but also strengthen national security. The meeting concluded with a photo session to mark the beginning of what both parties hope will be a lasting and impactful partnership.