Two police officers have been suspended as investigations continue into the issuance of fake police clearance certificates, according to Head of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Allieu Jalloh.
Speaking at a police press conference in Freetown, ACP Jalloh confirmed that the forged signature of a retired police officer was used in at least one of the fraudulent documents.
He admitted that, like any institution, the police force has both good and bad personnel but stressed that the majority of officers are committed to upholding the law.
The CID Boss assured the public that internal control mechanisms such as the Complaints, Discipline, and Internal Investigations Department (CDIID) are actively investigating officers suspected of wrongdoing.
He also reminded the public of the role of the Independent Police Complaints Board, where civilians can report misconduct by police officers.
While withholding specific details due to the ongoing investigation, ACP Jalloh confirmed that the suspended officers are being probed to determine whether their actions breached criminal or administrative laws.
He used the occasion to educate the public on the proper process for obtaining a police clearance certificate and warned against seeking shortcuts.
According to ACP Jalloh, the CID processes clearances through two units – the Criminal Records Office and the Fingerprint Bureau. He explained that a name check can be done without the applicant being present, and if no criminal record is found, a name-free certificate is issued.
However, the fingerprint process requires physical presence. He warned that any certificate obtained without going through the proper fingerprint process is considered fake.
ACP Jalloh urged citizens to avoid giving money to individuals claiming to provide clearance certificates outside official channels. He warned that institutions sometimes verify the authenticity of fingerprint records, and if there is no official file, the certificate will be nullified.
He praised Attorney-General Alpha Sesay for following the official process and personally submitting his fingerprints to obtain his clearance. ACP Jalloh said the AG’s actions should serve as an example to others who are tempted to bypass procedures.
He concluded by stressing that all police clearance certificates must be obtained directly from the CID and that physical presence is mandatory for the fingerprint process.
Any attempt to avoid the proper channels, he said, not only undermines public trust but also invites disciplinary and legal consequences.
