By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamara
Two officers of the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) are set to travel to India to pursue master’s degrees in forensic science, in a move aimed at strengthening criminal investigations and improving the Force’s capacity to handle scientific evidence.
The initiative, announced on Friday, October 30, 2026, forms part of Inspector-General of Police William Fayia Sellu’s efforts to promote professionalism, develop specialised expertise and modernise policing in Sierra Leone.
The two officers received their travel tickets during an official handover ceremony held at the Directorate of Training, Police Headquarters, in Freetown.
The postgraduate programme is expected to equip the officers with advanced knowledge and practical skills in forensic investigation, scientific evidence analysis and modern crime detection techniques.
Speaking at the ceremony, Acting Director of Training, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) John Fayiah Tumbay, formally presented the travel documents to the beneficiaries and urged them to approach their studies with discipline, dedication and professionalism.
ACP Tumbay reminded the officers that they would be representing both Sierra Leone and the Sierra Leone Police throughout their academic programme in India. He encouraged them to maintain exemplary conduct and make the most of the opportunity to acquire specialist knowledge.
He also stressed the importance of returning to Sierra Leone with the skills and expertise needed to strengthen the Force’s investigative capacity and improve service delivery.
Upon completion of their studies, the officers are expected to contribute to the development of forensic investigation practices within the Sierra Leone Police, particularly in the application of scientific methods to criminal investigations and evidence examination.
Forensic science plays an important role in modern law enforcement by helping investigators analyse physical evidence, establish links between suspects and crime scenes, and provide scientific findings that can support judicial proceedings.
Strengthening this area of policing could help the SLP improve its handling of complex criminal cases and enhance the reliability of evidence presented before the courts.
The initiative also highlights the importance of investing in human resource development as the Force seeks to respond to increasingly complex security and investigative challenges.
Through specialised academic training, police officers can acquire technical competencies that complement traditional investigative methods and support more evidence-based approaches to law enforcement.
The move is part of Inspector-General Sellu’s broader drive to strengthen professionalism and operational effectiveness within the Sierra Leone Police, with specialised training and personnel development remaining important components of institutional capacity building.
As the two officers prepare to begin their studies in India, their training represents an opportunity to build additional forensic expertise within the Force and support efforts to improve criminal investigations.
Their expected return with advanced qualifications could contribute to strengthening scientific policing, improving evidence management and supporting the administration of justice in Sierra Leone.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 2nd November 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
