By Alpha Abu
A Radio Station in Freetown that is to be managed by Sierra Leone’s Security Sector has started test transmission on FM 91.1. The station will help update its personnel and the general public on events within the country.
Inspector- General of the Sierra Leone Police, William Fayia Sellu told a high ranking security sector meeting in Makeni last week that the station will have police personnel working there, but clarified that it is a security sector radio and not the sole property of the police.
He said they had to present a strong argument for need of a radio to the Minister of Information and Communications Mohamed Rahman Swarray, after which their proposal got cabinet approval.
The IG also highlighted the extensive reforms taking place in the force, and the upgrade in logistics being provided by the Government of Sierra Leone.
He spoke about an election specific training the police officers have undergone to enhance their performance in policing the 24th June General Elections in the country.
He said his personnel have been trained on human rights issues and have had a Code of Conduct document printed and distributed to guide them in the course of duty.
IG Sellu also talked about the recent revamp of the communication unit of the police; he said the communication equipment procured over the years have worn out. He said the communication sites are being fitted with the latest technology and disclosed that they will now be using top-notch Very High Frequency (VHF) communication sets from Germany.
He said in the coming elections the police will be using the VHF sets instead of the normal cell phones which he said can face internet challenges and stifle effective communication amongst the different branches of the force.
He also disclosed the latest vehicular support they have received from the government-25 Double cabin Toyota Land Cruisers and 10 trucks that he said will be distributed to the various deployment areas of the Police to enhance mobility especially during polling.
The annual security sector meeting Chaired by the National Security Coordinator (NSCoord), Abdulai Caulker , attracts top Officials ( both National and Regional )from the Office of National Security (ONS), the Police, Military, Internal Affairs Ministry, Paramount Chiefs and other key stakeholders.
Last week’s meetings in Kenema, Bo, Makeni and Port Loko- all regional capitals, focused on providing an enabling environment for citizens to exercise their franchise without any fear.
The NSCoord insisted that the security forces will not be intimidated by threats and hate messages on social media, and that anyone bent on fomenting trouble on polling day will face the full force of the law.
“Nobody is going to hold this country to ransom, we are well prepared to ensure voters access free and peaceful elections’’, Caulker stressed.
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