Officials from the Family Support Unit (FSU) of the Sierra Leone Police engaged personnel of the National Fire Force at their headquarters in Freetown on Wednesday, 28 January 2026.
The session, led by ASP Abu Bakarr Kanu, Operations Officer of the FSU, aimed to familiarise Fire Force personnel with the FSU’s mandate and roles, as well as to deepen their understanding of domestic laws on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).
ASP Kanu highlighted that although SGBV laws exist, many personnel in sister security institutions remain unfamiliar with their content and practical application.
The session covered key legislation, including the Domestic Violence Act (2007), the Devolution of Estates Act (2007), the Registration of Customary Marriage and Divorce Act (2009), and the Sexual Offences Acts of 2012 and 2019. The legal implications of early and forced marriage were also discussed.
Detective Sergeant Magrette Mabinty Sesay delivered presentations on consent and various forms of harassment under the law. Participants actively engaged in discussions and commended the FSU team for the clarity of the session.
Mr. Donald Cole, Operations Officer of the Fire Force, thanked the FSU and requested that similar sensitisation programmes be conducted at other Fire Force stations across Freetown, including afternoon sessions to reach more personnel.
