This morning in the central Freetown, the mood on the ground was light, warm, and unmistakably festive as Inspector General of Police William Fayia Sellu stepped out to meet the public, not with sirens or speeches, but with simple gifts and a clear message of care.
The Sierra Leone Police opted instead for connecting with the people this time round. The IGP, accompanied by other police officers, went from car to car distributing Christmas and New Year goodwill items to car owners, hawkers and passersby. Each gift pack in a hand bag that contains modest items by design. They were printed with public safety messages, gentle reminders of vigilance, responsibility, and cooperation during the festive season.
In a country like Sierra Leone where trust between institutions and citizens is often tested, such gestures carry weight beyond their material value. A mug used at home, a pen carried to work, or a fan waved in the afternoon heat becomes a quiet messenger. The message stays around long after the event has ended in the daily routines of people. That is the real power of goodwill items. They travel where official notices and press statements rarely reach.
Members of the public especially social media, expressed appreciation for the presence of the police leadership on the street of Freetown. It was the first for some, giving them a firsthand experience of the IGP interacting with the common man in such a casual environment. This encounter also served to temper the perception of the police force, replacing distance with familiarity and authority with approachability.
The timing is also important. The Christmas and New Year celebrations usually involve greater mobility, crowded public places, and security worries. By pairing goodwill items with safety messages, the police turned celebration into an opportunity for awareness, reminding people that enjoyment and caution must go hand in hand and that the police is indeed your friend.
Public safety is not enforced only through patrols and checkpoints. It is built through shared responsibility, trust, and communication. When citizens feel seen and respected, they are more likely to listen, cooperate, and play their part. Sometimes, national security begins with small gestures, thoughtful words, and a willingness to meet people where they are.
