By Emma Black
In a concerted effort to enhance police responsiveness to cases of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and juvenile justice, the family support unit (FSU) of the Sierra Leone police (SLP), on 21 October 2025, in partnership with UNICEF, has launched a four-day intensive training programme for 40 newly transferred police officers.
The training, which commenced on Tuesday, October 21, is being held simultaneously in Makeni and Bo at the Sierra Leone teachers’ Union Hall in Makeni and the Pastoral Centre on New Gerihun Road in Bo, participants were drawn from police divisions across the North, East, and Western regions, reflecting a nationwide commitment to building capacity in handling sensitive and complex cases.
during the opening ceremony in Makeni, chief inspector Lansana Tarawalie, the training coordinator, outlined the programme’s objectives, emphasizing the need to strengthen investigative capacity, improve safeguarding mechanisms, and establish efficient referral pathways for survivors of abuse, he noted that the training would also enhance officers’ ability to provide psychosocial support to victims, ensuring a more survivor-centered approach.
Addressing participants, Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Manfred Williams, regional police commander for the North East, urged officers to make the most of the opportunity, he reminded them that effective policing in SGBV and juvenile cases requires empathy, professionalism, and accountability.
This is not just another training; it’s a call to refine our professionalism and uphold the rights and dignity of women and children in every investigation, he stated.
ASP Francess Kargbo, FSU Coordinator for the North East Region, also commended the initiative, stressing its importance in improving the quality of justice delivery.
This is a vital opportunity to learn the principles and practices that define effective policing in sensitive and complex cases, she told the participants.
The four-day training features a comprehensive curriculum covering key areas such as, investigative stages in SGBV cases managing child-related offences
Application of arrest and search warrants, procedures for identification parades, description of persons and properties in investigations psychosocial counselling and safeguarding strategies
The roles of the director of public prosecutions (DPP) and State counsel in juvenile justice cases
Facilitators include professionals from the office of the DPP, the Rainbo Initiative, and the Family Support Unit.
On the first day, SI Abdulai S. Bangura provided an in-depth presentation on the FSU’s structure and operational mandate, highlighting its critical role in promoting justice for vulnerable groups. Later, Doris Musa, Response Supervisor at Rainbo Initiative, and Edwig Isatu Kamara, Psychosocial Counsellor from Rainbo’s Bombali office, discussed their organization’s collaboration with the police in responding to SGBV and child protection cases.
The day ended with interactive case studies, allowing officers to apply their learning to real-world scenarios.
By the conclusion of the training on October 24, 2025, participants are expected to demonstrate improved competence in investigating and managing SGBV and juvenile cases. Beyond technical knowledge, the initiative aims to strengthen officers’ capacity to provide survivor-centered support, ensuring that victims receive justice and protection in line with Sierra Leone’s legal and human rights frameworks.
The FSU and UNICEF continue to reaffirm their shared commitment to building a professional, compassionate, and accountable police force capable of protecting the most vulnerable members of society.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Friday, 24 October 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
