SIERRA LEONE POLICE PLAY MUSICAL CHAIRS WITH TOP

UNCLAS FREETOWN 000424 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR AF/W (JHUNTER) E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KCRM PGOV PREL SL SUBJECT: SIERRA LEONE POLICE PLAY MUSICAL CHAIRS WITH TOP BRASS REF: FREETOWN 417 ¶1. The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) announced multiple transfers of senior officers on August 18, just a few days after SLP officers allegedly beat and robbed journalists covering a political demonstration (reftel). Assistant Inspector Generals (AIG) from across the country have been laterally shuffled into new positions, a process which the SLP calls "routine" and apolitical. Sources report, however, that at least some of the transfers reflect assessed performance. Several good officers were rewarded with moves to their home regions, while others have more prestigious (though still equal in rank) positions in Freetown. Weak officers were moved out of flashpoint locations and into roles that require less direct oversight of officers. ¶2. Sources also report that the events of August 13, which resulted in SLP officers being accused of brutality, played a small role in the decisions. The AIG responsible for Freetown, SIS Koroma, has been removed from this position, likely due to perceived lack of control over his officers. He will now head the Professional Standards Division - an ironic move, but also one that removes him from operational oversight. The press made much of the timing of these transfers, but sources say that this is mostly coincidental, with the majority of the changes in the planning stages for several months. FEDZER