By Bobor Dan Kamara

The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) launched the 2023 Crime Statistics Report at their George Street headquarters on the 14th February, 2024.

According to Commissioner Ibrahim Lahai Director of Crime Services, in 2023, a total of 30,491 criminals and road crime cases were reported and investigated across the six command region of the country namely; Freetown west, Freetown East, North west North East, South and east.

The 2023 SLP Crime Statistics Report posits that the Family Support Unit recorded a total of 10,063 cases as against 11,613 the previous year. At the 1st January to the 31st December 2023, 7,927 were domestic violence cases, 332 child offences and 1,813 sexual offences. However 739 cases were charged to court; 107 cases of sexual offences, 627 domestic violence and five cases of child offences. 1,052 cases closed, 1,218 cases kept in view and 7,054 still under investigations. The highest rate of these cases occurred in Freetown East 3,499.

He further noted that the country has recorded considerable reduction in the rate of crime as against the previous years since 2019. This has captured the international image of the SLP as it is now ranked 3rd in Africa and first in West Africa. This Lauren signifies our professional conduct and adequate usage of the fund been allocated to the police and central government.

Commissioner Lahai asserted that the reduction of cases dropped to 0.4% compared to the crime statistics in 2022. This success hinges on improve logistic support from the Central Government, and the significant work done by Local Police Partnership board through community engagement which is geared towards sensitizing the public about the need for local policing.

“We have enhanced protectoral coordination with other security stakeholders The Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) Local Police (native administration police) and whistleblowers that provides intelligence to them. Moreover, he also cited their enhanced institutional relationship and improvement including international partners who provide training for our personnel and donation of key equipment. The training and equipment given to the SLP by China and India have helped in combating criminal cases in the country including cybercrime. He added.”

He commends the excellent work done by the Inspector General of Police William Fayia Sellu and call on police to always be professional in an effort to maintain standards.

The chairman in his open remarks asserted that they are charged with the mandate to protect life and properties. He reiterated their commitment to working with members of the community.