By SKS
In a historic move towards enhancing transparency and professionalism within the Sierra Leone Police, the Freetown-East Regional Headquarters hosted the force’s first-ever regional disciplinary hearing on Friday, 31st July 2026.
This landmark event signifies a major step in decentralizing internal accountability processes, bringing disciplinary proceedings closer to the regions and reinforcing the police force’s commitment to discipline and good governance.
The occasion was marked by the conduct of a disciplinary hearing at the Ross Road headquarters, overseen by officials of the Complaints, Discipline, Internal Investigations Department (CDIID). This development is part of a broader initiative to strengthen oversight and ensure that police officers across the country are held accountable for their actions, thereby fostering increased public confidence and ensuring professionalism within the force.
The hearing was presided over by Inspector Donald A. Taylor of the Legal and Justice Department, supported by Sub-Inspectors S.J. Sesay and Arnold J.J. Caulker, along with Corporal Tommy Richard, who serves as the Freetown-East Regional CDIID Coordinator.
The case involved two serving police officers facing five counts of alleged misconduct, including conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline, among other related offenses. The successful commencement of this historic disciplinary hearing was made possible through the committed leadership of Regional Commander AIG Brima Kanneh. Speaking about the significance of the event, AIG Kanneh expressed his full support for the decentralization of disciplinary processes, emphasizing that it is a vital step towards promoting professionalism and accountability within the police force. “Bringing disciplinary hearings to the regional level demonstrates our dedication to building a transparent, disciplined, and responsible police service,” he said.
The initiative also received strong backing from the Local Unit Commander, CSP Fayia David Joshua, and the coordination of the Freetown-East CDIID Coordinator, whose efforts were instrumental in facilitating the process. Their collaborative approach ensured that the disciplinary proceedings could be efficiently conducted at the regional level, setting a precedent for other regions to follow.
The move to decentralize disciplinary hearings is part of broader reforms aimed at improving internal police accountability and strengthening public trust. By conducting disciplinary proceedings locally, the Sierra Leone Police hopes to foster a culture of discipline and integrity among its personnel, while making the process more accessible and transparent for the communities they serve.
In closing, AIG Brima Kanneh reiterated the force’s commitment to professionalism and accountability, stating, “This initiative underscores our resolve to uphold the highest standards of conduct among our officers. We are dedicated to ensuring that every officer is held responsible for their actions and that the public can have confidence in our police service.”
The first regional disciplinary hearing at Freetown-East sets a precedent for future proceedings across the country, signaling a new era of internal justice within the Sierra Leone Police.
