VZCZCXRO6566
RR RUEHMA RUEHPA
DE RUEHFN #0020/01 0141306
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 141306Z JAN 09
FM AMEMBASSY FREETOWN
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 2408
INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 04 FREETOWN 000020 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPARTMENT FOR DS/DSS/OSAC, DS/IP/AF, DS/DSS/ITA, 
DS/ICI/PII,DS/PSP/PSD, DS/DSS/ICI, CA/OCS/AF 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: ASEC CASC KSAC OASCC SL
SUBJECT: ANNUAL CRIME SAFETY REPORT - FREETOWN 2009 
 
REF: STATE 168473 
 
All travelers and American citizens residing in Sierra Leone 
should consult the Department of State,s website, 
http://travel.state.gov for current information about the 
security situation in Sierra Leone. 
**************************** 
¶I. Overall Crime and Safety: 
**************************** 
The Department of State currently considers the crime rate in 
Sierra Leone, Freetown in particular, as high.The factors 
that contribute to the high crime rates are generally related 
to the country's continued rebuilding from the decade-long 
civil war. Ranked at the bottom of the UN's Human Development 
Index, Sierra Leone is known for endemic poverty. High 
unemployment rates, little investment in 
employment-generating industries, and the low incomes 
associated with resultant work in the informal sector create 
conditions of gross economic hardship. The cohort whose 
education was truncated by the war, including former 
combatants, lacks the skills necessary to compete in a 
competitive labor market. The youth population, which 
includes the age range of 15-35, are frequently idle and 
without optimism for a prosperous future. Drug and alcohol 
use within this group is high, and possibly increasing. The 
Sierra Leone Police (SLP) collaborates with a small 
contingent of police advisors from the United Nations 
Integrated Peace building Office in Sierra Leone (UNIPSIL) 
and together work on police-preparedness and crime prevention 
strategies.  These strategies have produced some positive 
results, but overall, the SLP continues to have only moderate 
success in containing the criminal element in the country. 
Within the capital city of Freetown, nighttime robberies, 
assaults, petty street crime and home invasions are common. 
The number of violent crimes in Sierra Leone is comparable to 
most other West African countries, with Nigeria as the 
exception.  In Sierra Leone, the assailants often use 
forceful tactics, operate in organized groups, and carry 
weapons to facilitate their activity, which increases the 
possibility of physical harm as the crime is committed.  As 
is common in most developing countries, expatriates are 
frequent targets due to their appearance and perceived 
wealth. Therefore, it is essential that visitors to Sierra 
Leone have heightened awareness and take necessary security 
precautions. 
Trafficking narcotics through Sierra Leone is an ongoing 
problem, in congruence with the trends in West Africa. The 
limited capabilities of countries to secure their borders, 
coupled with endemic poverty and relative close proximity to 
European markets makes West Africa vulnerable to organized 
criminal elements. This represents a threat to stability and 
security in Sierra Leone and the region. 
While extremely challenging, road travel in Sierra Leone is 
possible. The streets of Freetown are narrow, crowded, and 
poorly maintained.  The lack of streetlights, stop signs, 
sidewalks, and guardrails, coupled with steep hillside 
drop-offs and many unpaved roads increase the risk of injury 
and death for drivers and pedestrians. Local drivers exhibit 
little consideration for pedestrians, other motorists, and 
traditional safe driving practices. Motorcycles are prevalent 
and tend to weave dangerously between cars. 
The major roads connecting Freetown to outlying provincial 
cities and towns can be especially hazardous. These roads are 
usually unpaved, without lighting, and often obstructed by 
animals or disabled vehicles. The local drivers are also 
known to travel with excessive speed. During the rainy 
season, these dangerous conditions are exacerbated by water 
and mud and can pose an even greater challenge.  During the 
dry season, dusty conditions can severely impair visibility. 
Roadside assistance, help from the police, and fuel stations 
are few and far between. 
********************** 
II. Political Violence 
********************** 
Although political demonstrations and rallies are normally 
peaceful, spontaneous rioting and attacks may occur. In the 
past 12 months, there have been violent confrontations 
between students and police in Freetown and in the provinces. 
 In some instances, the SLP Crowd Control Units were 
mobilized and tear gas was required to control the situation. 
Crowds of students are notorious for becoming destructive and 
resorting to hooliganism after local soccer matches between 
rival schools. After rival sporting events, large groups of 
students are occasionally found vandalizing buildings and 
vehicles on the streets of Freetown. Political demonstrations 
can also become dangerous, with rival factions becoming 
overly aggressive towards one another and the police. 
Currently, there is no known organization targeting American 
citizens or affiliated interests in Sierra Leone. There is 
very little anti-American sentiment, but visitors are 
 
FREETOWN 00000020  002 OF 004 
 
 
cautioned to avoid any large crowds, public gatherings, or 
demonstrations. These scenarios have the potential of 
becoming unruly which can result in physical injury and 
possibly death. 
*************************** 
III. Post Specific Concerns 
*************************** 
Sierra Leone's neighbor, Guinea, recently experienced a 
change in political power due to the death of President 
Conte.  Immediately following his death, military officers 
assumed control of the government. Given the pervious nature 
of the borders, plus the numerous familial relationships that 
span the two countries, unrest in Guinea usually has a 
spillover effect on Sierra Leone. Should the situation in 
Guinea deteriorate, violence and an influx of refugees could 
create a very challenging and unstable environment in Sierra 
Leone. Though the SLP and the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed 
Forces (RSLAF) have contingency plans, it is possible that 
they will be ill-equipped to handle the full impact of a 
sub-regional crisis. 
The increase in narcotics trafficking through Sierra Leone, 
with links to international organized crime syndicates, is a 
disturbing trend. The considerable wealth associated with the 
drug trade, channeled through corruption, could have a 
destabilizing impact on the country. Further, transiting 
drugs are increasingly found on the local market, adding 
cocaine to the more habitual usage of marijuana. 
******************* 
IV. Police Response 
******************* 
Of the approximate 9,000 member Sierra Leonean Police force, 
there are about 2,200 armed officers who belong to the 
Operational Security Division (OSD). The OSD officers are 
armed with shoulder weapons and usually man roadside 
checkpoints and serve on patrol teams that respond to 
emergency calls. Police response has been known to be 
extremely slow and unreliable. It is important to note that 
the quality of police service tends to decline as one moves 
out of Freetown into the provinces. 
Receiving police assistance can be difficult for the 
following reasons: 
-Many local police stations do not have working telephones, 
or they only have one telephone line, which is always in use. 
-The police officer answering the telephone has a difficult 
time understanding English. English is the official language, 
but Krio is widely spoken. 
-The police frequently claim to lack transportation to get to 
the scene of the incident; 
-When transportation is available, often times, fuel is not. 
The most visible police presence in Sierra Leone is the 
unarmed officers directing traffic and patrolling assigned 
areas on foot or motorcycle. Most SLP officers lack 
conventional police equipment (two-way radios, restraints, 
defensive weapons, flashlights, etc.) required to be 
effective in their jobs. While the abilities of the SLP are 
on par with some other West African nations, they do not 
compare to a U.S. police force in terms of capability, 
responsiveness or professionalism. Corruption remains a 
problem throughout the ranks of the SLP.  The issue of 
low-pay and low morale creates an enabling environment in 
which even bribes of a few dollars are readily accepted. 
Historical tolerance of corruption throughout Sierra Leone 
breeds a complacent attitude towards ameliorating it within 
the police force. 
Travelers requiring police assistance are advised to contact 
them through the Joint Communications Center (JCC): 223-000, 
220-069, 225-899/ 222-784, 221-025, 221-029.  The JCC is best 
equipped to assist international travelers, and will either 
transfer the call or direct the traveler to the appropriate 
police division for assistance. The U.S. Embassy Regional 
Security Officer (RSO) is also available to render assistance 
to American citizens requiring local police services.  The 
RSO can be reached at (232-22) 515-000 during business hours 
or (232-22) 515-157 after hours. 
********************** 
¶V. Medical Emergencies: 
********************** 
Medical facilities in Sierra Leone fall critically short of 
U.S. standards. Persons with serious medical conditions that 
require chronic medications or frequent treatment are 
discouraged from traveling to Sierra Leone. Most medications 
are in short supply, of inferior quality, or are fraudulent. 
The cleanliness of medical facilities and quality of 
treatment is unreliable. Unfortunately, cases of 
misdiagnosis, unavailable treatment and use of improper drugs 
are commonly reported. 
All travelers to Sierra Leone are encouraged to purchase 
insurance to cover the medical expenses associated with a 
serious accident, injury or illness. This policy should 
include provisions for medical evacuation from the country. 
 
FREETOWN 00000020  003 OF 004 
 
 
Travelers are encouraged to see a medical doctor prior to 
travel to ensure that appropriate immunizations and 
precautions are given. Please refer to the Centers for 
Disease Control's website (cdc.gov) for current 
recommendations specific to Sierra Leone. 
Medical Facilities Point of Contacts: 
Choithram Memorial Hospital: 232-598 or 076-608-987 
Emergency Hospital Goderich, 076-611-386 
Blue Shield Medical Services, 030-750-000 
*********************** 
VI. Travel Precautions: 
*********************** 
All American citizens are encouraged to register with the 
United States Embassy Consular Section. The U.S. Embassy is 
located on Leicester Peak Road in Freetown, Sierra Leone. 
Do not leave valuable items unsecured in your 
residence/quarters. 
Do not carry more than you need, and only carry what you need 
in a secure place on your person. Pick-pocketing is common in 
Sierra Leone. 
Do not walk on the beaches at night. 
Do not invite strangers into your quarters. 
Always keep the doors and windows to your residence or hotel 
room secured. 
Do not keep excessive currency or other valuable items at 
your residence. It may attract the attention of criminals. 
Do not attempt to use credit cards in Sierra Leone, even in 
ATM machines. Credit cards are generally not accepted at 
stores, restaurants, and hotels. Pay all bills in cash. 
Utilization of public transportation, including buses, taxis, 
and mopeds, is highly discouraged. Hiring a dedicated car and 
driver from a trusted and reliable source is recommended. 
Carefully protect all financial and personal information as 
incidents of financial fraud and identity theft crimes are 
increasing in Sierra Leone. 
Practice good operational security if you are transporting 
valuable items into and around Sierra Leone. Some reported 
robberies committed against expatriates appear to have been 
carried out by persons with inside information regarding the 
victims. 
Avoid wearing flashy jewelry, clothing or carrying expensive 
cameras, when walking around in public. 
Ladies should avoid carrying purses, as they are enticing 
targets for criminals. 
Be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. 
Be careful not to discuss travel plans or other business in a 
venue where others can overhear you. 
Always ask for permission before taking a photograph. Local 
citizens may request a small fee for taking a picture of them 
or their surroundings. Do not photograph government 
buildings, military installations, airports, harbors or other 
locations/items with a potential security or intelligence 
interest. Cameras and film can be confiscated and never 
returned. 
Do not respond to any unsolicited opportunities to make 
money, including business opportunities that seem too good to 
be true.  Beware of offers to buy gold, diamonds, etc. These 
types of activities could result in a substantial loss of 
money or violation of local laws. 
Do not purchase diamonds or other gems from an unlicensed 
source. The vast majority of diamond distributors in Sierra 
Leone are unlicensed and produce fraudulent gem certificates. 
Exercise caution when traveling through or conducting 
business in the East Side of Freetown. This is a high crime 
area, and should be avoided at night. 
In the event an armed criminal confronts you, do not hesitate 
to give him what he wants. 
When traveling in a vehicle, always keep your doors and 
windows locked and secured. Keep valuable items out of sight 
on the floor. Always keep adequate room between yourself and 
the vehicle in front of you to ensure you can maneuver in the 
event of a situation requiring escape from the area. Be aware 
of what is taking place outside of the vehicle.  Always park 
in secure, well-lit locations. Do not pick up hitchhikers. 
If you are involved in a vehicular accident, it is important 
to be aware that a large crowd may gather at the scene which 
could become hostile and aggressive. If you are unable to 
remain calm and you fear for your safety, it is advised to 
immediately leave the scene and go to the nearest police 
station. 
Local roads range from well-paved high-speed expressways to 
unpaved dirt trails. Regardless of road conditions, all 
travelers are advised to drive defensively and exercise 
caution. Many local vehicles fail to meet conventional safety 
standards and local motorists often show little regard or 
understanding of conventional traffic laws or etiquette. 
All American Citizens traveling to Sierra Leone are advised 
to refer to the U.S. Department of State Consular Information 
Sheet for additional useful information. This sheet provides 
information on a variety of issues intended to ensure your 
 
FREETOWN 00000020  004 OF 004 
 
 
trip to Sierra Leone is safe, trouble-free and uneventful. 
************************* 
VII. Further Information: 
************************* 
All Americans should register with the American Citizen 
Services when they arrive in Sierra Leone this can also be 
done on-line at http://freetown.usembassy.gov. The U.S. 
Embassy maintains a liaison with local law enforcement 
officials and is available to assist American citizens during 
their stay in Sierra Leone. The Consular Affairs and 
Political section can be reached through the Embassy 
switchboard. The following contact information is being 
provided: 
U.S. Embassy Freetown general number (232-22) 515-000 
The Regional Security Officer can be contacted (232-22) 
515-140 during regular business hours. 
Medical Unit (232-22) 515-450 
Post One (232-22) 515-160 or 161 
E-Mail: Mannkc@state.gov or SopkoMR@state.gov. 
*************************** 
VIII. OSAC Country Council: 
*************************** 
The nearest OSAC Country Council is in Dakar, Senegal. The 
Regional Security Office in Freetown will provide country 
briefings for representative of American businesses and 
organization as requested. 
FEDZER