𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐆𝐏 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐮… 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐆𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐔𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐦

The projects include the newly established Masingbi Police Division, a state-of-the-art Forensic Laboratory at the Transnational Organised Crime Unit (TOCU) Headquarters in Rogbangba Junction, and the inaugural Blood Bank, Eye Clinic, and Dental Units at the Police Hospital in Kingtom.

The commissioning ceremonies are expected to attract senior government officials, security sector stakeholders, development partners, and members of the public.

These projects form part of IGP Sellu’s broader vision of transforming the Sierra Leone Police into a modern, efficient, and service-oriented institution capable of meeting contemporary policing standards.

One of the key projects scheduled for commissioning is the upgrade of Masingbi Police Station into a fully-fledged divisional headquarters.

The new division is anticipated to significantly improve police response capabilities across Tonkolili District, parts of Kono District, and surrounding communities through increased personnel deployment, the establishment of additional operational units, and enhanced logistical support, including vehicles and motorbikes.

Police authorities noted that rapid population growth and the expanding geographical coverage of Masingbi and its environs made this elevation necessary. The development is expected to improve access to policing services and strengthen security operations within the region.

In a major milestone for the institution, the Sierra Leone Police will officially unveil its first modern forensic laboratory at the TOCU Headquarters.

The facility is expected to significantly enhance the force’s investigative capacity, particularly in scientific evidence gathering, drug analysis, and criminal investigations.

Speaking on the significance of the project, forensic expert Detective Assistant Superintendent of Police (D/ASP), Joseph Steven, described the laboratory as a major step towards achieving internationally recognised standards in forensic science.

According to him, the laboratory represents a critical foundation in the SLP’s pursuit of International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) certification, which would enable forensic and drug-testing reports produced by the facility to gain international recognition and acceptance.

The laboratory is also expected to reduce reliance on external institutions for forensic analysis, while strengthening Sierra Leone’s capacity to investigate complex criminal cases through scientific methods.

Another major highlight of the commissioning programme will be the official opening of the first-ever Blood Bank, Eye Clinic, and Dental Units at the Police Hospital in Kingtom.

The Medical Superintendent and Deputy Director of the hospital, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Dr. John Mumuneh Konteh, described the development as both timely and essential, given the increasing demand for healthcare services provided by the institution.

Dr. Konteh explained that the hospital now serves not only police personnel but also members of the general public, making the establishment of a blood bank a vital addition to healthcare delivery.

“We conduct surgeries here and often receive patients who urgently require blood. In the past, because we did not have a blood bank, we had to depend on other hospitals for blood supplies,” he said.

He noted that delays in sourcing blood from external facilities sometimes posed serious risks to patients’ lives.

With the commissioning of the new blood bank, Dr. Konteh expressed confidence that the hospital’s ability to respond to emergencies and provide quality healthcare services will be greatly enhanced.

He further disclosed that the facility would facilitate the establishment of a blood donor centre, as the hospital now has the necessary storage infrastructure.

Regarding the Dental Unit, Dr. Konteh stated that although the facility may not immediately provide a full range of dental services, it will offer first-aid treatment and basic dental care to patients.

The commissioning of these projects underscores the ongoing reforms and infrastructural developments being implemented under the leadership of IGP William Fayia Sellu.

Many within the security sector and beyond have described the initiatives as practical investments aimed at improving policing services, enhancing healthcare delivery for police personnel and the public, and strengthening the operational capacity of the Sierra Leone Police.

As the institution continues its modernisation agenda, the June commissioning ceremonies are expected to mark another significant milestone in the transformation of the Sierra Leone Police.