By Nelson Adebayo Johnson, Media Consultant
Inspector General of Police (IGP) William Fayia Sellu has commissioned a new forensic laboratory and office facility for the Transnational Organised Crime Unit (TOCU), describing the project as a major step toward strengthening Sierra Leone’s capacity to combat organised crime and improve criminal investigations.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the IGP said the new facilities represent a significant milestone in the transformation of TOCU and the modernization of policing in Sierra Leone.
“This is a day that reflects our commitment to excellence, professionalism, and the modernization of law enforcement,” he said.
According to Sellu, the facilities are strategic investments designed to enhance the country’s ability to tackle transnational organised crime and other serious criminal offences.
He said the forensic laboratory will strengthen scientific investigations by improving evidence collection, forensic analysis, evidence management, and support for criminal prosecutions, thereby contributing to the effective administration of justice.
The IGP added that the new office complex would provide a more conducive working environment for personnel, enhancing productivity, staff morale, and operational efficiency.
He expressed appreciation to the Government of Sierra Leone and the country’s development partners for supporting the establishment of the facilities, noting that their contributions continue to advance efforts to build a professional and modern police service.
Commitment to Police Reform
Reflecting on his leadership journey, Sellu recounted an experience that motivated his commitment to reforming police infrastructure and services.
He recalled witnessing what he described as the disrespectful handling of corpses at a mortuary, an incident he said inspired his determination to improve mortuary facilities within the police service.
“I told myself that if I ever had the opportunity to lead, one of the things I would deliver was a proper mortuary, and I thank God we have achieved that,” he said.
He also lamented the previous state of police forensic services, noting that the institution once relied on external laboratories to conduct basic forensic examinations because its own facilities had deteriorated through years of neglect.
Health and Infrastructure Improvements
The IGP highlighted improvements at the Sierra Leone Police hospital, stating that substantial investments had transformed the former Medical Inspection Room into a modern healthcare facility.
He said the development had been supported by medical specialists from Spain under the Surgeons in Action programme, which has provided free surgical services on several occasions and is expected to return later this year for another medical mission.
According to Sellu, new medical equipment and a partnership with the College of Medicine have enabled the hospital to serve as a teaching facility while providing healthcare services without additional cost to the government.
He also cited ongoing investments in police infrastructure, including the construction of the Bo West Regional Police Headquarters and the rehabilitation of the Freetown East Regional Headquarters.
Sellu explained that many of these projects were funded through the reallocation of existing police resources rather than additional government funding.
Appreciation
The IGP commended the leadership and personnel of TOCU for their dedication and recognised the contributions of the Government of Sierra Leone, development partners, contractors, the Director of Crime Services, R.P.G. Robert Esq., Executive Director of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Chief Andrew Jaiah Kaikai, and other stakeholders who supported the project.
He urged police officers to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and public service, stressing that the true value of the new facilities would be measured by their contribution to fighting crime, protecting communities, and delivering justice for the people of Sierra Leone.
