Training

THIRTY-FIVE PERSONNEL OF THE LEGAL AND JUSTICE SUPPORT DEPARTMENT OF THE SIERRA LEONE POLICE BENEFITTED FROM A COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING SESSION ON THE RECENTLY ENACTED CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT, 2024.

Thirty-five personnel of the Legal and Justice Support Department of the Sierra Leone Police across the country have benefited from a detailed and comprehensive capability building seminar on the recently enacted Criminal Procedure Act, 2024 today Thursday 5th December, 2024 at the Sierra Palms Resort, 53 Beach Road, Lumley, Aberdeen, Freetown. Personnel featured in the training are a unique blend of both lawyers and non lawyers who are active prosecutors across the Magistrates’ courts in the country.

This training session is being organized by the Justice Sector Coordination Office (J.S.C.O) acting on the instruction of the learned Attorney-General and Minister of Justice of Sierra Leone. The lead instructor in the training Acting Chief Justice of the Republic of Sierra Leone Hon. Mr. Justice Nicolas Browne-Mark presented on key instructional areas under this new legislation which are Part II and III of the legislation. Part II is exhaustive of arrest generally, while Part III covers summary trials. On a whole, key topics discussed are arrest and detention procedures, charges and bail, summary trials and pre-trial procedures, evidence and its admissibility, rights of defendants and legal safeguards. He meticulously took time to speak to the these new provisions which are being captured in this new legislation. He emphasized that the spirit of this new legislation is to ensure expeditious summary trials and pre-trials with utmost respect for fairness for both sides. He emphasized the need for fair trials and respect for the rule of law, and said it is upon this foundation that this new legislation was born.

There is no gainsaying that knowledge of the new Criminal Procedure Act 2024 is crucial to enhance the orderly conduct of criminal proceedings and safeguarding the rights of the defendants, victims and the society at large. A deeper understanding of arrest, detention, bail, and trial procedures is essential for prosecutors to ensure the criminal Justice system operates fairly and efficiently. The training included interactive discussions, and practical reflection of case situations which allowed participants to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations. This helped in reinforcing the concepts discussed and encouraged active participation.

The one-day training on the Criminal Procedure Act, 2024 successfully met its objectives by equipping participants with the essential knowledge of criminal procedure laws. This training will contribute to improved practice and effective administration of Justice within the criminal Justice system. Organizers applauded the head of the Legal and Justice Support Department ACP Joan M.S. Bull Esq. for her prompt and careful nomination of attendees across the country and her displayed of gender sensitivity, as the representation was deemed gender balanced. With an enhanced capacity, prosecutors are now fully equipped to carry out their mandate more effectively in consonant with the provisions of the newly enacted Criminal Procedure Act, 2024.

Insp. D.A. Taylor

The Legal and Justice Support Department is proud to spotlight the exceptional work of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Joan M.S. Bull, Esq., who recently served as one of the facilitators in the Child Protection Pilot MTT Course for Law Enforcement Agencies. Organized by the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Police. This three-week course brought together officers from various law enforcement agencies to enhance their skills in safeguarding the rights of children. ACP Bull played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of this program, earning widespread recognition from both participants and organizers.

As one of the course’s key facilitators, ACP Bull led a vital session on Legal Policy and Framework for Child Protection, Child Protection and Safety, imparting essential legal knowledge and frameworks to ensure that officers are equipped to handle child protection cases effectively. With years of experience in law enforcement and legal support, ACP Bull guided participants through complex child protection laws, emphasizing the importance of legal structures in enhancing children’s safety.

In her own words, ACP Bull expressed her deep commitment to this cause, stating:

"Child protection is not just about enforcing the law; it is about ensuring that the most vulnerable in society are treated with dignity and respect. I am honored to have contributed to this course and to the development of law enforcement officers who are now better equipped to handle child protection cases with professionalism and empathy."

The course, designed to provide law enforcement officers with analytical skills necessary for promoting and understanding child protection concepts, was a resounding success. Participants gained critical knowledge in areas such as:

Child Safeguarding
National Child Protection Systems
Child-Friendly Interviewing Techniques
Monitoring and Reporting Mechanisms
Stakeholders in Child Protection

These sessions, led by Dr Miamingi, one of KAIPTC Consultants, ACP Bull and other senior facilitators including AIG Senesie, ACP John Tumbay, and AIG Esther Kaintor, empowered participants with the tools needed to address real-world child protection challenges. The course also focused on how law enforcement agencies can collaborate effectively with other stakeholders to strengthen the national child protection system.

ACP Bull’s exemplary leadership and contributions did not go unnoticed. At the conclusion of the course, she was honored with a certificate of appreciation and a plaque, in recognition of her dedication and commitment to improving child protection practices in Sierra Leone. The participants, deeply appreciative of her guidance, expressed their gratitude for her in-depth knowledge and hands-on approach to training.

A significant milestone of the course was the launch of the Sierra Leone Alumni Chapter of KAIPTC—a groundbreaking initiative by KAIPTC. This alumni chapter will serve as a platform for continued professional development, networking, and collaboration among past and present KAIPTC alumni in Sierra Leone.

The Legal and Justice Support Department commends ACP Joan M.S. Bull, Esq. for her unwavering dedication to advancing child protection within law enforcement. Her work in this course, alongside her broader contributions to child protection and legal policy, highlights her commitment to ensuring that law enforcement agencies in Sierra Leone are fully equipped to safeguard children’s rights.

Participation of the Head of the Legal and Justice Support Department at the Justice

Sector Leadership Group Meeting. Our esteemed Head of Department, ACP Joan M.S Bull Esq, successfully represented the Inspector General of Police at the Justice Sector Leadership Group Meeting held at the Chief Minister's Conference Room, State House, Freetown.

The meeting was convened to validate the draft Fifth Generation, Government of Sierra Leone Justice Sector Reform Strategy 2024-2028. The session was chaired by the Secretary to the President, Dr Emmanuel A.R Gaima and the Deputy Minister of Justice, Mr. Alpha Sesay and included the participation of key Ministers and representatives from various Ministries, Agencies, and Departments.

Representatives played a critical role in the validation process. The discussions during the meeting focused on aligning the strategic objectives with the current challenges faced by the justice sector, offering insightful feedback and legal expertise that were instrumental in refining the strategy. Contributions ensured that the perspectives of the various Ministries, Department and Agencies were well-represented, particularly in relation to training, collaboration, advocacy, institutional support, capacity building etc

This successful validation marks a significant step toward the implementation of the Justice Sector Reform Strategy, which aims to strengthen the rule of law and enhance the efficiency of our justice system. The participation of the Sierra Leone Police through ACP Joan M.S Bull underscores the Sierra Leone Police essential role in these national initiatives.

The Legal and Justice Support Department of Sierra Leone is proud to announce the participation of its Head, CSP Joan M.S Bull Esq, in the Regional Training on Controlling Mechanisms for Data Protection Compliance, held at the prestigious Pullman Hotel in Abidjan. As the Legal Expert of the West African Police Information System, our department head was cordially invited to partake in this essential gathering.

The training serves as a pivotal platform for fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among regional stakeholders in the realm of data protection compliance. In an era where data privacy and security are paramount, such initiatives are instrumental in enhancing our collective capacity to address emerging challenges and uphold international standards.

With a focus on controlling mechanisms, the training delves into intricate facets of data management, regulatory frameworks, and best practices for ensuring compliance with established guidelines. The various compliance mechanisms, nationally as well as internationally are addressed, with a focus on the notion of independent action of some of these mechanisms to ensure the good governance of any given institution. Through interactive sessions and expert-led discussions, participants gain invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of data protection.

The attendance of our department head underscores the Sierra Leone Police's commitment to staying abreast of developments in data governance and reinforcing our capacity to safeguard sensitive information. By actively engaging in initiatives of this nature, we reaffirm our dedication to upholding the principles of transparency, accountability, and respect for privacy rights.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the Inspector General of Police and the Head of NCB/INTERPOL in Sierra Leone including organizers of this esteemed training for providing a platform that empowers participants to deepen their understanding and forge meaningful connections in the pursuit of data protection excellence.

For further inquiries or to learn more about our department's initiatives.

Legal and Justice

COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING ON CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT, 2024

Facilitating Legal Policy and Framework for Child Protection

ACP Joan M.S Bull Esq

Validation of Justice Sector Coordination

ACP Joan M.S Bull Esq

ACP Joan M.S Bull Esq

ACP Joan M.S Bull Esq

ACP Joan M.S Bull Esq

ACP Joan M.S Bull Esq

ACP Joan M.S Bull Esq

ACP Joan M.S Bull Esq

ACP Joan M.S Bull Esq

ACP Joan M.S Bull Esq

Regional Training on Controlling Mechanisms for Data Protect

COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING ON CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT, 2024

Facilitating Legal Policy and Framework for Child Protection

ACP Joan M.S Bull Esq

Validation of Justice Sector Coordination

ACP Joan M.S Bull Esq

ACP Joan M.S Bull Esq

ACP Joan M.S Bull Esq

ACP Joan M.S Bull Esq

ACP Joan M.S Bull Esq

ACP Joan M.S Bull Esq

ACP Joan M.S Bull Esq

ACP Joan M.S Bull Esq

ACP Joan M.S Bull Esq

Regional Training on Controlling Mechanisms for Data Protect

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