MONROVIA – Liberia National Police (LNP) Inspector General Gregory Coleman on Thursday reaffirmed the force’s commitment to protecting democracy, constitutional order, and the rights of all Liberians. Speaking publicly, Coleman stressed that police presence on streets during political activities and public gatherings is aimed at safeguarding citizens, not intimidating them or suppressing democratic expression.
Coleman said the LNP’s role is both constitutional and professional. “The presence of police officers on the streets is not intended to intimidate citizens or suppress democratic expression. Instead, it is a constitutional and professional obligation of the LNP to ensure public safety, prevent violence, protect lives and property, and guarantee that all citizens can exercise their rights peacefully and without fear,” he explained.
Highlighting the importance of balancing security and freedom, Coleman said, “In a democracy, security and freedom are not opposing forces; they are complementary. The absence of law enforcement during moments of heightened public activity or political expression risks exposing citizens to harm, disorder, and exploitation by criminal elements.”
Coleman emphasized that responsible policing, conducted professionally and within the law, is essential for protecting democracy rather than undermining it. He said, “Our officers are instructed to act with restraint, professionalism, and respect for all citizens, regardless of political affiliation or opinion. The LNP does not police ideas or silence voices; we police conduct that threatens public safety and national stability.”
The Inspector General outlined the guiding principles behind the LNP’s deployment strategy. These include strict respect for human rights and the rule of law, proportional and intelligence-led policing, the need to prevent violence rather than provoke it, and the duty to safeguard peaceful protesters, bystanders, and public institutions alike.
Coleman said the LNP is committed to ensuring that public demonstrations, political rallies, and other civic events occur in a safe and lawful environment. “Liberia’s democracy was hard-won, and its protection requires both civic responsibility and professional security institutions,” he said, underlining the police’s dual duty to maintain order and uphold citizens’ rights.
He further stressed collaboration with communities, civil society organizations, and national leaders. “The Liberia National Police remains committed to working with communities, civil society, and national leaders to ensure that democratic expression occurs in a safe, lawful, and respectful environment for all,” Coleman said, framing the LNP as a partner in democratic governance rather than a controlling authority.
The Inspector General encouraged Liberians to continue engaging in peaceful dialogue and mutual respect as part of strengthening the country’s democratic foundations. “We therefore encourage continued dialogue, peaceful engagement, and mutual respect as Liberia continues to strengthen its democratic foundations,” Coleman added.
Coleman also clarified that LNP officers are trained to exercise restraint and professionalism even in tense situations. He noted that policing is about conduct, not opinion, and that the force is committed to protecting both protesters and bystanders equally.
Concluding his statement, Coleman reaffirmed the LNP’s dedication to serving the Liberian people. “The Liberia National Police remains committed to serving the people, protecting democracy, and upholding the Constitution of the Republic of Liberia,” he said, underscoring the agency’s role as both guardian of law and protector of citizens’ rights in Liberia’s evolving democratic landscape.
