A long-serving woman police officer, Constable Lucinda N. Dick, has reportedly been promoted to the rank of Sub-Inspector, after her alleged lack of promotion for 23 years sparked widespread public debate on social media.
Dick’s story came to public attention after a resignation letter purportedly written by her went viral. In the letter, with an effective resignation date of 15th October, 2026, she expressed disappointment over serving in the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) for more than two decades without promotion.
In the letter, she reflected on the values of discipline, professionalism and public service she said she acquired during her years in the Force, while requesting payment of her entitlements and permission to hand over police property. She also spoke of her service in challenging policing environments, including Daru in Kailahun District, eastern Sierra Leone.
The letter triggered an outpouring of sympathy on Facebook and WhatsApp, with many Sierra Leoneans questioning career progression, recognition and welfare within the SLP, particularly for female officers and long-serving constables.
Responding to the viral letter, the Head of Media and Public Relations at the Sierra Leone Police, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mohamed Bobson Senu, questioned its authenticity, stating that the personal identification number quoted in the letter did not exist in the Force’s records.
ASP Senu also maintained that promotion in the SLP is not automatic and not determined solely by years of service, but by established criteria including performance appraisals, recommendations from supervisors, productivity, discipline record, and available vacancies.
Despite the earlier denial, sources now indicate that Constable Dick has been elevated to the rank of Sub-Inspector, a move many have welcomed as long overdue.
For many Sierra Leoneans, Constable Dick’s case has become a symbol of the need to reward loyalty and long service within the public sector.
