By: Aaron Bundu Lahai-Head of Media & Public Relations
The Honourable Vice President of Sierra Leone Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh has on Thursday, October 3, 2024, decorated 25 newly promoted commanders of the Sierra Leone Police. As Chairman of the Police Council, the Hon. Vice President expressed satisfaction with the work of the SLP, stressing that he is happy to see the SLP improve and reduce crime in the country. “I want to use this opportunity on behalf of the Commander in Chief His Excellency Dr Julius Maada Bio, that the safety and security of the country and the people of Sierra Leone is assured hundred percent,” Dr Jalloh emphasized. He reechoed that the Government of Sierra Leone is on top of the security situation and will continue to provide the security that the people of Sierra Leone need for development to thrive, and for the ordinary Sierra Leoneans especially businesspeople to trade without fear.
Vice President Jalloh informed about the review of the promotion criteria for the SLP undertaken by the New Direction Government in 2018. One of the review criteria for promotion, he stated, includes continuous appraisals with recommendations from senior officers in the police force. He stated that training including domestic and international is the second criterion for promotion to ensure competency. He noted that training is important to eliminate praise singing associated with promotion in the past. The third promotion criterion, Vice President Jalloh, stated is competency interviews by the Sierra Leone Police Council meant to test their experience and training, especially their professionalism in public engagement.
Dr Jalloh assured the promoted officers that the Police Council will do justice when there is a vacancy for any of the two hierarchical positions in the Force. He admonished the promoted officers that they are servants for the people of Sierra Leone since the Force is supported by taxes paid by the public. He informed them that they are entrusted with the responsibility to provide security and safety for citizens to move freely in the country. “You are here to serve the people of Sierra Leone, to serve the citizens, and to be loyal to civilian power,” he reiterated.
He reminded the police that professionalism is core for promotion to the top echelon of the SLP, adding that the promoted officers and the general police present at the ceremony should be aware that the public is watching their activities. He stressed that the exhibition of professionalism by senior officers is not only for promotion but for public recognition in the discharge of duties, furthering that professionalism is not just about training but the conduct in the execution of duties.
Vice President Jalloh congratulated the promoted officers and thanked the Inspector General of the Sierra Leone Police for organizing the ceremony. He said the ceremony is important for the honouring and celebration of the promoted officers who have worked hard with dedication over the years.
The Inspector General of the Sierra Leone Police William Fayia Sellu said that the programme was meant to recognize colleagues who have distinguished themselves in their careers and to celebrate their promotion through decoration. He described the promotion as additional responsibilities given to an upgrade officer. He encouraged the promoted officers to double their efforts with the new responsibilities in the Police Force. He encouraged the promoted officers to renew their commitment, strengths, and determination.