Sierra Leone Police Ban Military Style Uniforms to Reinforce Identity Rules

Police bosses in Sierra Leone have ordered all officers to stop wearing military-style uniforms. The decision follows warnings from the country’s armed forces that the practice was confusing the public and blurring the lines between the police and the military.
The directive was issued after security chiefs met in Freetown to discuss the issue. Regional commanders have now been told to make sure their teams only wear official police gear, with warnings that officers who ignore the ban face public discipline.
Officials say the move is vital to keep clear boundaries between the two services. While the police handle domestic law enforcement, the armed forces are responsible for national defense, and leaders want to ensure their distinct roles stay clear.