OFFICE OF NATIONAL SECURITY (ONS)

"The bitter experience of prosecuting a ten-year rebel war with an uncoordinated security and intelligence network prompted the Government of Sierra Leone to set up an Office of National Security and a Central Intelligence and Security Unit. This office, was established by an Act of Parliament." (The National Security and Central Intelligence Act, 2002)

The Office of National Security serves as a central coordinating body for all security and intelligence organs of state at the policy level.  It also collect and analyse all intelligence emanating from security agencies so as to provide Government with balanced intelligence assessments on which to base critical policy decisions.  These fundamental security operations require high calibre, far sighted, professional and dedicated men and women whose responsibility it is to create an enabling environment for the security and smooth running of the state to be enjoyed by all Sierra Leonean.     

The establishment of the Office of National Security (ONS) has ushered in a reorientation in the security set-up of Sierra Leone that is hoped to coordinate and ensure efficient operation of the security system in the country; ONS spearheaded the conduct of the Security Sector Review, which Report was published in March 2005. This review was basically an investigation and analysis of the threats to peace, security and progress of post-conflict Sierra Leone, indicating how the threats could be mitigated, the requirements to deal with such threats, the available capacity and shortfall towards addressing them.
 

MOTTO

Quo Veritas Ducit (Where Truth Leads Us)
 

NATIONAL VISION

A transparent, apolitical, accountable and operationally effective security structure staffed by high calibre individuals of great integrity, safeguarding a free, independent and democratic Sierra Leone and well-being of its people.

MISSION STATEMENT

To effectively coordinate national security and intelligence architecture with the aim of creating an enabling environment for sustainable national development, poverty reduction and conflict prevention

STRUCTURE OF THE OFFICE OF NATIONAL SECURITY / CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE & SECURITY UNIT

The Office of National Security (ONS) is headed by the National Security Coordinator who is Government’s Principal Adviser on National Security matters. The entire ONS support structure comprises eight (8) Directorates each of them headed by a Director. These Directors are well trained and possess a wealth of knowledge in security coordination and preparation of threat assessments to inform policy decision making of Government. The ONS ensures that the joined up security architecture is functional and thus provides the necessary support to the National Security Council (NSC), headed by the President.
The Central Intelligence and Security Unit (CISU) is led by a Director-General with the requisite professional experience on organising administrative structures for effective intelligence collection. His office is supported by several Directorates that are also headed by Directors.

The ONS comprises of the following departments:

1. The Strategic Situation Group (SSG)

2. Joint Assessment Team (JAT)

3. Disaster Management Department (DMD)

4. Ministerial and Inter-Agency Relations (MIAR)

5. Cabinet and Parliamentary Affairs (CPA)

6. Serious Organised Crime Coordinating Group (SOCCG)

7. Provincial and Border Security (PBS)

8. Administration and Finance (AF)

THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF ONS/CISU. THE NATIONAL SECURITY AND CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE ACT 2002 (NASCIA 2002).

• Parliament enacted the NASCIA in 2002

• The Act established ONS/CISU

• ONS is the secretariat of the National Security Council (NSC)

• It strengthens security coordination and collection of intelligence to inform policy decisions on security service delivery

• It establishes the basis for regulation of Private Security Companies (PSCs)

• Requires the ONS to coordinate all national emergencies (natural and manmade)

RECRUITMENT

The ONS/CISU are equal opportunities institutions sensitive to gender mainstreaming during its recruitment process. Individuals suitable for working for ONS/CISU are ‘talent spotted’ and must be outstanding with a proven track record of integrity. The recruitment procedure is quite transparent and accountable.
 

EARLY WARNING SYSTEM

The Provincial and District Security Committees (PROSECs / DISECs) are functional throughout the whole country and offer the forum for the security forces and agencies to meet regularly and deliberate on national security matters. In this regard, they provide information that contributes in shaping Government’s decision making on critical security matters. The forum also provide opportunities for the participation of local leaders/authorities to contribute in shaping security delivery in their localities.
 

© DACO/SLIS August 2008