Law Reform Commission Hosts Review of 1964 Police Act
By: Ahmed Yusuf Turay, Upcoming Care Times (S/L) Newspaper
The Law Reform Commission, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), organized a one-day consultative meeting to review the Police Act of 1964. The meeting, held on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at the Sierra Leone Bank Complex in Kingtom, Freetown, was themed “Strengthening Rule of Law, Access to Justice, Human Rights, and Security in Sierra Leone.”
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the Law Reform Commission, Yada Williams Esq., noted that a sub-committee was established to comprehensively examine the legal framework governing the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) and the broader context of policing in the country. He explained that the sub-committee thoroughly reviewed the entire 1964 Police Act alongside other legal documents relevant to police operations. The consultative meeting, he added, is part of the Commission’s nationwide consultation aimed at upgrading and modernizing the 60-year-old Police Act, with a focus on balancing effectiveness, human rights, and strengthening police-community relations.
Williams further explained that the sub-committee sought input on its extensive work, including recommendations designed to ensure the updated Police Act aligns with contemporary legal landscapes and changing security needs, while also meeting international standards and modern-day policing best practices. He emphasized that the review is both timely and essential to strengthening the rule of law in Sierra Leone, as has been done in other African countries.
In her address, the program’s Chairperson, Rtd. AIG Elizabeth Turay, praised the review meeting as a significant and necessary step in the right direction for enhancing the Sierra Leone Police. She called on community leaders and police officers to take proactive actions and utilize the framework document to advance the police force for the benefit of all Sierra Leoneans. Turay reiterated that the review aims to eliminate all forms of torture and degrading treatment, prevent the disproportionate use of force, and foster police-community cooperation. Additionally, it seeks to safeguard fundamental rights, promote police professionalism through enhanced training, and incorporate modern scientific crime detection methods, with a particular focus on victims’ rights.
Inspector General of Police William Faya Sealieu expressed gratitude to the organizers for their remarkable efforts. He highlighted some of his achievements and aspirations for transforming the Sierra Leone Police from a “force for good” to a true police service, a shift he is advocating ahead of his retirement. Drawing comparisons to reforms in other African nations like Ghana, Sealieu stressed the importance of shifting the narrative from “force” to “service.” He urged the police to uphold trust, confidence, and integrity in the execution of their duties. He also commended the sub-committee for their proactive approach in reviewing the 1964 Police Act.
Several other statements were made during the meeting, including one from UNDP’s Alie Sesay, who praised the sub-committee’s thorough work. He encouraged the Sierra Leone Police to remain robust and proactive in maintaining law and order, peace, and security in their communities. Sesay also highlighted the importance of police collaboration with local Police Partnership Boards at the community level.
The discussions covered several key issues, including the return and execution of search warrants, and the powers of the police to access telecommunication data.
