Sierra Leone Police Warns Personnel Over Use of Military Uniforms

The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has directed its personnel to stop wearing military uniforms and fatigues following concerns raised by the leadership of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) over the use of military attire by non-members.

The administrative directive, dated 19 August 2025, was issued by the Police Support Office (PSO) to all Regional Police Commanders, Directors, Local Unit Commanders and Heads of Departments.

According to the directive, the concern was raised during an NSCCG meeting held at the Office of National Security (ONS), where RSLAF leadership reportedly expressed “serious concern” over what it described as the “rampant use of military uniforms by non-members.”

The directive specifically noted that some Sierra Leone Police personnel were among those reportedly wearing military uniforms.

Police authorities have therefore instructed commanders and heads of departments to encourage personnel to take pride in their official police uniforms and refrain from wearing military attire.

“Desist from wearing military uniforms/fatigues,” the directive states, warning that failure to comply could result in “embarrassment and possible disciplinary measures.”

The Police Support Office said the directive is intended to reinforce the distinction between police and military personnel and ensure that officers wear uniforms associated with their institution.

Regional Police Commanders, Directors, Local Unit Commanders and Heads of Departments have been tasked with communicating the directive to personnel under their respective areas of responsibility and ensuring compliance.

The directive comes amid broader concerns over the use of military-style clothing by individuals who are not members of the Armed Forces, with RSLAF leadership raising the issue during the security-sector meeting.

Police personnel have consequently been reminded to wear the appropriate police uniform and avoid attire that could create confusion about their institutional affiliation.

The directive concludes by stressing that the instruction “should be treated with utmost importance,” underscoring the seriousness attached to compliance.