African Police Resource Network

Seychelles

The Seychelles is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar.

A lengthy struggle between France and Great Britain for the islands ended in 1814, when they were ceded to the latter. Independence came in 1976. Socialist rule was brought to a close with a new constitution and free elections in 1993. President France-Albert RENE, who had served since 1977, was re-elected in 2001, but stepped down in 2004. Vice President James MICHEL took over the presidency and in July 2006 was elected to a new five-year term.

The estimated population is 81,895 (July 2007 est.)

Information from CIA World Factbook.

The Seychelles Police is a department which falls directly under the portfolio of the President of the Republic; as provided for under article 159 (1) of the Constitution of the Third Republic. The ComMissioner is appointed by the President, subjected to the approval of the National Assembly.  Whilst the Commissioner has the command, superintendence, direction and control of the force, he is subjected to the orders and direction of the President. http://www.virtualseychelles.sc/gover/dep_police.htm

The president has complete control over the security apparatus, which includes the national guard, army, presidential protection unit, coast guard, and police. The police commissioner, who reports to the president, commands the unarmed police and the armed paramilitary Police Mobile Unit, which together have primary responsibility for internal security. When necessary, the police were assisted by the army on issues of internal security, as police resources were limited. The Special Support Unit (SSU), a division of the police force, is responsible for crowd and riot control. Corruption remained a problem. The Enquiry Board, a police complaint office, existed but was rarely used. In practice private attorneys filed complaints or published them in Regar, the opposition party newspaper. http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2006/78755.htm

Please find a list of all documents in our database relevant to Seychelles. Use the checkbox next to each line to expand more detail about the file, including the option to download.

Category	Date	Title	Detail
Legislation	2003	Seychelles Constitution
Source: http://www.parliament.go.th/parcy/sapa_db/cons_doc/constitutions/data/Seychelles/Seychelles(english%20summary)(rev).doc
Networks	2007	Seychelles Police
Description: On this website you will find the organisation chart, objectives, vision and reform agenda The Seychelles Police is today a department which falls directly under the portfolio of the President of the Republic; as provided for under article 159 (1) of the Constitution of the Third Republic . The ComMissioner is appointed by the President, subjected to the approval of the National Assembly. Whilst the Commissioner has the command, superintendence, direction and control of the force, he is subjected to the orders and direction of the President. The vision of the Seychelles Police is to provide the mechanism for a safe environment within a society which aspires for security and protection for its people, their community and the whole nation. Objectives With Reform 2004, the Seychelles Police Force continues to strive for high standard in achieving those objectives. Maintenance of law and order. Preservation of the peace. Prevention and detection of crime. Apprehension of offenders. Protection of life and property. Traffic control and regulation. Fire fighting and prevention. Participate in National Defence. Enforcement of all Laws, Acts, Regulations and Orders Mission Statement To uphold the Law and provide protection to each and everyone without fear, favour, affection or ill–will. The adopted Mission Statement, illustrates the kind of service that the Police Force envisages for now and the future. Office of the ComMissioner The ComMissioner of Police Mr. Andre Quilindo Advisors C/Supt A. Belmont and Mr. A.G. Lautee Divisions The Police Department is made up of seven Divisions namely: – Operation Division Commanding Officer C/Supt A. Valmont assisted by Supt J. Beauchamp Criminal Investigation Division Commanding Officer Supt E. Quatre Seychelles Police Academy Division Commanding Officer Supt R. Mousbe Special Support Division Commanding Officer Supt G. Roucou Special Branch Division Commanding Officer Asst. Supt E. Dorby Administration & Finance Division Director General Mrs J. Esparon Transport Security Division.– Director General Mr. D. Samson It should be noted, for the first time ever, the appointment of a civilian Director General in the Administration and Finance Division. And the Scientific Support and Criminal Record Bureau (SS & CRB) is an integral Unit of the Criminal Investigation Division which is made up of essential components of Fingerprints, Scenes of Crime and Forensic Laboratory. This important investigative unit is under the command of Supt P. Bedier. Organisation Structure Click here to view the organisation chart. Each of these Divisions has its specific areas of responsibilities and some have the support of other units and sections. All heads of the Divisions report directly to the ComMissioner of Police. Policing System The Five–Regional Policing System has been abolished and has been replaced by a single Centralized Command Operation System based at the Police Headquarters in Victoria. The new system of operation does not forgo the Community of Policing; on the contrary it encourages a drive to use the co–operation and good–will of the community as part of the strategy to control crime and disorder by providing a quicker response to their calls. The formations of district and station will remain in place to provide the norm policing and inter–personal relationship with the community. Training and Discipline There are comprehensive training programmes for recruits and long serving members of the Force with emphasis for the latter on discipline and ethnic Code of Conduct which has been slipping through the years. In recognition of Human Rights Watch, the Seychelles Police Authority has introduced new mechanism to investigate, redress and prosecute any human right violation. A new Discipline Officer has been appointed and a Police Disciplinary Board instituted. Final Note The achievement of reform is based on six key principles: – A new framework to promote high standards and bring every Police Officer up to his or her best performance. Improved training, leadership and professional at every level. Better use of the time and skills of the growing number of Police Officers and civilian supporting staff. Better, fairer and more flexible system of rewarding Police Officers. The most effective support from science, technology and information technology. Stronger partnership between the police and other bodies. The shortcomings and weaknesses within the Police Organization are still numerous and complex, they are being addressed vigorously whilst implementing the above key principles. Hopefully, the programme of reforming and rebuilding will continue to be developed with well planned schemes, prioritized and sequenced. Bearing in mind that Seychelles is neither urban nor a rural area but islands. The physical features of the land, the geographical location of the country and the economical developments are all being taken into consideration when focusing at the Global crime trends, including the criminal activities that are more specific to Seychelles. Contact: Police Headquarters, Revolution Avenue, P.O.Box 46, Victoria, Mah, Seychelles. Telephone: (248) 288000 Fax: (248) 322005 E–Mail: compol@seychelles.net Source: http://www.virtualseychelles.sc/gover/dep_police.htm
Publications	2007	World Factbook: Seychelles
Description: Up to date information giving an overview of the country, its geography, demographics, government, economy, communications, transportation and military. Author: Central Intelligence Agency Source: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/se.html
Publications	2004	Report of the promotional mission the the Republic of Seychelles
Description: Seychelles is party to the African Charter on Human and People´s Rights, which is ratified in 1992. The African Commission undertakes promotional missions which are seen as an important aspect of the African Commissions activities as they enable it to establish communication and links with Member States. This report includes information on police respect for human rights and human rights training Author: African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights Source: http://www.achpr.org/english/Mission_reports/mission%20report_Seychelles.pdf