CCSL Forms Strategic Partnership with SLP to Enhance Community Policing

By: Benedict AbuBakarr Conteh Freetown, 19 March 2025 – In a significant step towards strengthening community policing in Sierra Leone, the Council of Churches in Sierra Leone (CCSL) has entered into a strategic partnership with the Sierra Leone Police (SLP). This collaboration aims to enhance security and social support systems through community-centered policing initiatives across the country.

A CCSL delegation, led by Programme Manager Rev. Moses Khanu, engaged in high-level discussions with Inspector General of Police (IGP) William Fayia Sellu at Police Headquarters on George Street. Rev. Khanu highlighted CCSL’s broad engagement in all sixteen districts, focusing on advocacy, gender issues, and psychosocial support for vulnerable communities, including interventions on female genital mutilation, drug abuse, and sexual and gender-based violence.

Despite its expertise in these areas, Rev. Khanu acknowledged that CCSL has faced challenges with referral processes and welcomed the opportunity to work more closely with law enforcement. He praised the SLP’s evolution from a force-oriented approach to a service-driven model, noting its alignment with CCSL’s vision for community engagement. "For over six years, we have conducted extensive community outreach, and this partnership with the SLP will enable us to enhance our impact and improve service delivery," he stated.

IGP Sellu lauded CCSL’s initiative and reaffirmed the SLP’s commitment to fostering trust within communities. He emphasized that collaborative efforts, particularly in school sensitization and public engagement, are vital in building stronger police-community relations. "This partnership supports our ongoing transition towards a more service-oriented police force. We welcome CCSL’s expertise in community engagement and look forward to working together in areas such as school outreach and public awareness campaigns," he remarked.

To ensure effective collaboration, IGP Sellu assigned the Director of Gender and Community Relations to coordinate joint initiatives with CCSL, particularly in educational institutions. He also encouraged CCSL to partner with the Transnational Organized Crime Unit on drug-related cases and rehabilitation efforts. Furthermore, he suggested that CCSL develop specialized training programs for police personnel, recognizing that officers, too, could benefit from professional counselling services.

Concluding the meeting, IGP Sellu reaffirmed the SLP’s dedication to the partnership, emphasizing that collective efforts between law enforcement and civil society organizations are essential for sustainable community development and public safety.

This strategic alliance marks a new chapter in community policing, fostering a safer and more cohesive society through collaboration, advocacy, and proactive engagement.