Recent reports on social media claim that 24 officers from the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) were dismissed due to excessive absenteeism. After thorough investigation, SLENA-iVerify confirms that, while 24 officers have indeed been removed from the force, they were not formally dismissed as initially suggested by some publications. According to SLP officials, these officers were “Struck Off Strength,” a procedural term used by the police when personnel are taken off the active duty roster. This removal is attributed to absenteeism without legitimate reason for a minimum of 21 days, rather than a direct dismissal.

ACP Brima Kamara, Head of SLP Media, provided further clarification to SLENA-iVerify, explaining that officers may exit or be removed from the police force through various means, including dismissal, being "Struck Off Strength," retirement, non-re-engagement, resignation, or for medical reasons. In this case, the "Struck Off Strength" status indicates that the officers were removed from the strength count of active personnel due to unexcused prolonged absence, thus formally ending their active association with the force.

To validate the claim, SLENA-iVerify reviewed an official public notice from the SLP Human Resources department. The notice, dated 25th September 2024, with reference number P.17/57, was addressed to Regional Police Commanders in key regions, including the East, Freetown, and West. This official document, bearing the SLP letterhead and logo, confirms the removal of the 24 officers. Additionally, numerous media sources corroborated the removal details and cited this official notice.

Based on these findings, SLENA-iVerify concludes that the claim of the officers’ removal is accurate; however, the term “dismissal” is a misrepresentation, as the officers were specifically “Struck Off Strength” due to prolonged absenteeism.