ANNUAL CRIME SAFETY REPORT - FREETOWN 2009

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 04 FREETOWN 000020

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR DS/DSS/OSAC, DS/IP/AF, DS/DSS/ITA,
DS/ICI/PII,DS/PSP/PSD, DS/DSS/ICI, CA/OCS/AF

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC CASC KSAC OASCC SL
SUBJECT: ANNUAL CRIME SAFETY REPORT - FREETOWN 2009

REF: STATE 168473

All travelers and American citizens residing in Sierra Leone
should consult the Department of State,s website,
http://travel.state.gov for current information about the
security situation in Sierra Leone.
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I. Overall Crime and Safety:
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The Department of State currently considers the crime rate in
Sierra Leone, Freetown in particular, as high.The factors
that contribute to the high crime rates are generally related
to the country's continued rebuilding from the decade-long
civil war. Ranked at the bottom of the UN's Human Development
Index, Sierra Leone is known for endemic poverty. High
unemployment rates, little investment in
employment-generating industries, and the low incomes
associated with resultant work in the informal sector create
conditions of gross economic hardship. The cohort whose
education was truncated by the war, including former
combatants, lacks the skills necessary to compete in a
competitive labor market. The youth population, which
includes the age range of 15-35, are frequently idle and
without optimism for a prosperous future. Drug and alcohol
use within this group is high, and possibly increasing. The
Sierra Leone Police (SLP) collaborates with a small
contingent of police advisors from the United Nations
Integrated Peace building Office in Sierra Leone (UNIPSIL)
and together work on police-preparedness and crime prevention
strategies. These strategies have produced some positive
results, but overall, the SLP continues to have only moderate
success in containing the criminal element in the country.
Within the capital city of Freetown, nighttime robberies,
assaults, petty street crime and home invasions are common.
The number of violent crimes in Sierra Leone is comparable to
most other West African countries, with Nigeria as the
exception. In Sierra Leone, the assailants often use
forceful tactics, operate in organized groups, and carry
weapons to facilitate their activity, which increases the
possibility of physical harm as the crime is committed. As
is common in most developing countries, expatriates are
frequent targets due to their appearance and perceived
wealth. Therefore, it is essential that visitors to Sierra
Leone have heightened awareness and take necessary security
precautions.
Trafficking narcotics through Sierra Leone is an ongoing
problem, in congruence with the trends in West Africa. The
limited capabilities of countries to secure their borders,
coupled with endemic poverty and relative close proximity to
European markets makes West Africa vulnerable to organized
criminal elements. This represents a threat to stability and
security in Sierra Leone and the region.
While extremely challenging, road travel in Sierra Leone is
possible. The streets of Freetown are narrow, crowded, and
poorly maintained. The lack of streetlights, stop signs,
sidewalks, and guardrails, coupled with steep hillside
drop-offs and many unpaved roads increase the risk of injury
and death for drivers and pedestrians. Local drivers exhibit
little consideration for pedestrians, other motorists, and
traditional safe driving practices. Motorcycles are prevalent
and tend to weave dangerously between cars.
The major roads connecting Freetown to outlying provincial
cities and towns can be especially hazardous. These roads are
usually unpaved, without lighting, and often obstructed by
animals or disabled vehicles. The local drivers are also
known to travel with excessive speed. During the rainy
season, these dangerous conditions are exacerbated by water
and mud and can pose an even greater challenge. During the
dry season, dusty conditions can severely impair visibility.
Roadside assistance, help from the police, and fuel stations
are few and far between.
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II. Political Violence
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Although political demonstrations and rallies are normally
peaceful, spontaneous rioting and attacks may occur. In the
past 12 months, there have been violent confrontations
between students and police in Freetown and in the provinces.
In some instances, the SLP Crowd Control Units were
mobilized and tear gas was required to control the situation.
Crowds of students are notorious for becoming destructive and
resorting to hooliganism after local soccer matches between
rival schools. After rival sporting events, large groups of
students are occasionally found vandalizing buildings and
vehicles on the streets of Freetown. Political demonstrations
can also become dangerous, with rival factions becoming
overly aggressive towards one another and the police.
Currently, there is no known organization targeting American
citizens or affiliated interests in Sierra Leone. There is
very little anti-American sentiment, but visitors are

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cautioned to avoid any large crowds, public gatherings, or
demonstrations. These scenarios have the potential of
becoming unruly which can result in physical injury and
possibly death.
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III. Post Specific Concerns
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Sierra Leone's neighbor, Guinea, recently experienced a
change in political power due to the death of President
Conte. Immediately following his death, military officers
assumed control of the government. Given the pervious nature
of the borders, plus the numerous familial relationships that
span the two countries, unrest in Guinea usually has a
spillover effect on Sierra Leone. Should the situation in
Guinea deteriorate, violence and an influx of refugees could
create a very challenging and unstable environment in Sierra
Leone. Though the SLP and the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed
Forces (RSLAF) have contingency plans, it is possible that
they will be ill-equipped to handle the full impact of a
sub-regional crisis.
The increase in narcotics trafficking through Sierra Leone,
with links to international organized crime syndicates, is a
disturbing trend. The considerable wealth associated with the
drug trade, channeled through corruption, could have a
destabilizing impact on the country. Further, transiting
drugs are increasingly found on the local market, adding
cocaine to the more habitual usage of marijuana.
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IV. Police Response
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Of the approximate 9,000 member Sierra Leonean Police force,
there are about 2,200 armed officers who belong to the
Operational Security Division (OSD). The OSD officers are
armed with shoulder weapons and usually man roadside
checkpoints and serve on patrol teams that respond to
emergency calls. Police response has been known to be
extremely slow and unreliable. It is important to note that
the quality of police service tends to decline as one moves
out of Freetown into the provinces.
Receiving police assistance can be difficult for the
following reasons:
-Many local police stations do not have working telephones,
or they only have one telephone line, which is always in use.
-The police officer answering the telephone has a difficult
time understanding English. English is the official language,
but Krio is widely spoken.
-The police frequently claim to lack transportation to get to
the scene of the incident;
-When transportation is available, often times, fuel is not.
The most visible police presence in Sierra Leone is the
unarmed officers directing traffic and patrolling assigned
areas on foot or motorcycle. Most SLP officers lack
conventional police equipment (two-way radios, restraints,
defensive weapons, flashlights, etc.) required to be
effective in their jobs. While the abilities of the SLP are
on par with some other West African nations, they do not
compare to a U.S. police force in terms of capability,
responsiveness or professionalism. Corruption remains a
problem throughout the ranks of the SLP. The issue of
low-pay and low morale creates an enabling environment in
which even bribes of a few dollars are readily accepted.
Historical tolerance of corruption throughout Sierra Leone
breeds a complacent attitude towards ameliorating it within
the police force.
Travelers requiring police assistance are advised to contact
them through the Joint Communications Center (JCC): 223-000,
220-069, 225-899/ 222-784, 221-025, 221-029. The JCC is best
equipped to assist international travelers, and will either
transfer the call or direct the traveler to the appropriate
police division for assistance. The U.S. Embassy Regional
Security Officer (RSO) is also available to render assistance
to American citizens requiring local police services. The
RSO can be reached at (232-22) 515-000 during business hours
or (232-22) 515-157 after hours.
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V. Medical Emergencies:
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Medical facilities in Sierra Leone fall critically short of
U.S. standards. Persons with serious medical conditions that
require chronic medications or frequent treatment are
discouraged from traveling to Sierra Leone. Most medications
are in short supply, of inferior quality, or are fraudulent.
The cleanliness of medical facilities and quality of
treatment is unreliable. Unfortunately, cases of
misdiagnosis, unavailable treatment and use of improper drugs
are commonly reported.
All travelers to Sierra Leone are encouraged to purchase
insurance to cover the medical expenses associated with a
serious accident, injury or illness. This policy should
include provisions for medical evacuation from the country.

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Travelers are encouraged to see a medical doctor prior to
travel to ensure that appropriate immunizations and
precautions are given. Please refer to the Centers for
Disease Control's website (cdc.gov) for current
recommendations specific to Sierra Leone.
Medical Facilities Point of Contacts:
Choithram Memorial Hospital: 232-598 or 076-608-987
Emergency Hospital Goderich, 076-611-386
Blue Shield Medical Services, 030-750-000
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VI. Travel Precautions:
***********************
All American citizens are encouraged to register with the
United States Embassy Consular Section. The U.S. Embassy is
located on Leicester Peak Road in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
Do not leave valuable items unsecured in your
residence/quarters.
Do not carry more than you need, and only carry what you need
in a secure place on your person. Pick-pocketing is common in
Sierra Leone.
Do not walk on the beaches at night.
Do not invite strangers into your quarters.
Always keep the doors and windows to your residence or hotel
room secured.
Do not keep excessive currency or other valuable items at
your residence. It may attract the attention of criminals.
Do not attempt to use credit cards in Sierra Leone, even in
ATM machines. Credit cards are generally not accepted at
stores, restaurants, and hotels. Pay all bills in cash.
Utilization of public transportation, including buses, taxis,
and mopeds, is highly discouraged. Hiring a dedicated car and
driver from a trusted and reliable source is recommended.
Carefully protect all financial and personal information as
incidents of financial fraud and identity theft crimes are
increasing in Sierra Leone.
Practice good operational security if you are transporting
valuable items into and around Sierra Leone. Some reported
robberies committed against expatriates appear to have been
carried out by persons with inside information regarding the
victims.
Avoid wearing flashy jewelry, clothing or carrying expensive
cameras, when walking around in public.
Ladies should avoid carrying purses, as they are enticing
targets for criminals.
Be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times.
Be careful not to discuss travel plans or other business in a
venue where others can overhear you.
Always ask for permission before taking a photograph. Local
citizens may request a small fee for taking a picture of them
or their surroundings. Do not photograph government
buildings, military installations, airports, harbors or other
locations/items with a potential security or intelligence
interest. Cameras and film can be confiscated and never
returned.
Do not respond to any unsolicited opportunities to make
money, including business opportunities that seem too good to
be true. Beware of offers to buy gold, diamonds, etc. These
types of activities could result in a substantial loss of
money or violation of local laws.
Do not purchase diamonds or other gems from an unlicensed
source. The vast majority of diamond distributors in Sierra
Leone are unlicensed and produce fraudulent gem certificates.
Exercise caution when traveling through or conducting
business in the East Side of Freetown. This is a high crime
area, and should be avoided at night.
In the event an armed criminal confronts you, do not hesitate
to give him what he wants.
When traveling in a vehicle, always keep your doors and
windows locked and secured. Keep valuable items out of sight
on the floor. Always keep adequate room between yourself and
the vehicle in front of you to ensure you can maneuver in the
event of a situation requiring escape from the area. Be aware
of what is taking place outside of the vehicle. Always park
in secure, well-lit locations. Do not pick up hitchhikers.
If you are involved in a vehicular accident, it is important
to be aware that a large crowd may gather at the scene which
could become hostile and aggressive. If you are unable to
remain calm and you fear for your safety, it is advised to
immediately leave the scene and go to the nearest police
station.
Local roads range from well-paved high-speed expressways to
unpaved dirt trails. Regardless of road conditions, all
travelers are advised to drive defensively and exercise
caution. Many local vehicles fail to meet conventional safety
standards and local motorists often show little regard or
understanding of conventional traffic laws or etiquette.
All American Citizens traveling to Sierra Leone are advised
to refer to the U.S. Department of State Consular Information
Sheet for additional useful information. This sheet provides
information on a variety of issues intended to ensure your

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trip to Sierra Leone is safe, trouble-free and uneventful.
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VII. Further Information:
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All Americans should register with the American Citizen
Services when they arrive in Sierra Leone this can also be
done on-line at http://freetown.usembassy.gov. The U.S.
Embassy maintains a liaison with local law enforcement
officials and is available to assist American citizens during
their stay in Sierra Leone. The Consular Affairs and
Political section can be reached through the Embassy
switchboard. The following contact information is being
provided:
U.S. Embassy Freetown general number (232-22) 515-000
The Regional Security Officer can be contacted (232-22)
515-140 during regular business hours.
Medical Unit (232-22) 515-450
Post One (232-22) 515-160 or 161
E-Mail: Mannkc@state.gov or SopkoMR@state.gov.
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VIII. OSAC Country Council:
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The nearest OSAC Country Council is in Dakar, Senegal. The
Regional Security Office in Freetown will provide country
briefings for representative of American businesses and
organization as requested.
FEDZER