By Fatmata Kamara
The Law Reform Commission in Partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on Wednesday held a Stakeholder Validation Workshop to discuss the Draft Report of Police Act Subcommittee’s meeting and Nationwide Consultation at the Bank of Sierra Leone Complex, Kingtom, Freetown.
The review of the Police Act 1964 began in May 2014 when the Commission was invited by the Ministry of Internal Affairs for a strategic planning and brainstorming session on the review of the said Act.
One of the decisions that came out of that session was that the Commission should take the lead in the review of the Act. In furtherance to that decision and in line with powers conferred on it under the Law Reform Commission Act 1994 as amended, the Commission set up a subcommittee to handle the process.
The mandate of the Sub-committee was to review the Police Act 1964 taking into consideration any pertinent provisions of the Constitution of Sierra Leone relevant legislation, case law, legislation from other jurisdiction and any other materials that the Sub-committee considered relevant to its work. The Sub-committee was also required to take into consideration the views and recommendations of any stakeholders and other relevant sources. The report contained several recommendations for the reform of the Police Act of 1964.
Yada Williams Chairman Law Reform Commission stated that this report and the eventual Bill and Act together have the potential to greatly impact public safety, community trust and the relationship between law enforcement and the citizens of this nation.
He continued that it is through collaboration, consultation, and the sharing of ideas that all can refine and validate the report to ensure it is aligned with the aspirations of Sierra Leoneans and the values they uphold.
Williams noted that the commitment to reforming Sierra Leone Police is rooted in the recognition that a secure and well governed society must have institutions that are responsive, accountable and dedicated to upholding the rule of law and this project aims to strengthen transparency, enhance professionalism and build a greater punishment trust in law enforcement.
“We believe that this reform is not just long overdue but necessary and essential, for fostering a safer, more just and more peaceful Sierra Leone,” he said.
In conclusion, he thanked the UNDP and other relevant stakeholders for their contributions to the process.
