4364 ISS Monograph 160.indd

This report examines the institutional capacity, structural weaknesses, and operational challenges of the Sierra Leone Police (SLP). It details the force's evolution from a colonial tool of territorial hegemony to a modern entity struggling with systemic corruption, political interference, and severe underfunding. The document analyzes the SLP's legal framework, command structure, and effectiveness in crime prevention, concluding that the force requires significant legislative reform and financial investment to regain public trust and meet contemporary security needs.

• The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) evolved from a colonial force designed to "stifle dissident voices among the local populace" and "harass political deviants" rather than combating standard criminal offenses. Its early history was marked by a "military orientation" and a lack of civil character.
• The SLP is governed by a vertical command structure headed by the Inspector-General of Police, who is appointed by the President based on the advice of the Police Council. The Police Council, chaired by the Vice President, is responsible for advising the President on "all major matters of policing relating to internal security," including budgeting and administration.
• As of June 2, 2008, the SLP had a total operational strength of 9,143 personnel (7,700 male and 1,443 female) and 1,414 support staff, totaling 10,557 personnel. The West Region holds the highest concentration of personnel, accounting for 60% of the total distribution.
• Crime statistics from 2002 to 2004 show a general increase in reported crimes, totaling 55,306 in 2004. Assault and wounding with intent represent approximately 50% of recorded crimes, while fraud and larceny account for about 30%.
• The SLP suffers from systemic corruption driven by "low remuneration, inadequate incentives and poor conditions of services." This manifests primarily as the extortion of bribes from the public, particularly by officers in traffic control.
• The force is heavily politicized, leading to a situation where crimes committed by individuals with political connections are not properly investigated. Political interference also affects recruitment, promotion, and dismissal, contradicting the Police Act's requirement that officers remain insulated from partisan politics.
• The SLP is severely underfunded, with budgetary allocations failing to meet operational needs. For 2005, the SLP requested Le 64 billion but received only Le 35 billion, leaving "virtually no money for development or capital expenditure."
• The legal framework governing the police is considered obsolete. The Police Act, enacted over four decades ago, is described as an "anachronistic" and "obsolete piece of legislation" that does not meet the needs of modern-day policing.

APA

Institute for Security Studies (n.d.). 4364 ISS Monograph 160.indd. https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/M160CHAP2.PDF

Chicago

Institute for Security Studies. 4364 ISS Monograph 160.indd. n.d. https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/M160CHAP2.PDF.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Institute for Security Studies |title=4364 ISS Monograph 160.indd |url=https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/M160CHAP2.PDF |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{instituteforsecuritystudiesnd4364, author = {{Institute for Security Studies}}, title = {{4364 ISS Monograph 160.indd}}, institution = {Institute for Security Studies}, url = {https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/M160CHAP2.PDF}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }