BONG COUNTY, LIBERIA – As a way of fighting crime and violence in all forms in the country, the Liberia National Police (LNP) has concluded a one-one-day stakeholder community policing engagement at the Gbarnga Administration Building in Bong County.
The Liberian National Police (LNP) is the frontline force of internal security in the fight against crimes, the protection of life and property, and in the maintenance of the rule of law, as directed by its statute.
The LNP is also at the frontier of the transfer of state security responsibility to the Government of Liberia.
Addressing the occasion, the Inspector General of the LNP, Col. Gregory O. W. Coleman, said the Police have turned a new page in dealing with the community in the prevention of crime and violence.
Col. Coleman said the purpose of the Community Engagement with stakeholders was to create awareness among community members on how to mitigate violence in their respective areas, and that his administration was prepared to work with the community Watch Forum of Liberia and Community leaders to prevent crime and violence in various communities.
“The LNP’s mandate is: to maintain public order and safety; protect people and property; identify and recover lost and stolen property; prevent, detect and fight crime; identify and arrest criminals; and to enforce the law and testify in court,” Col. Coleman stressed.
He at the same time encouraged Community members to report Police Officers who are involved in breaking the law of Liberia to the LNP Standard Division.
The Liberia National Police Inspector General further promised to provide two police vehicles to the Bong County Police Detachment for a patrol purpose, especially along the Madam Suakoko Highway in the Country.
As part of the LNP Community Engagement with Stakeholders, Col. Gregory O. W. Coleman also interacted with members of the Bong Athletic and Social Intellectual Center in Gbarnga, Bong County.
Also speaking at the program, the Assistant Training Commander of the Community Watch Forum of Liberia (CWFL), Christin S. Weah, lauded the Police for organizing such a brilliant event that brought thousands of people together, especially the youth who are always involved in violence.
He admonished the participants to serve as ambassadors of peace in the various communities so that they can disengage from mob violence or justice.
He, however, recommended for more support of the Community Watch Forum of Liberia in order to help LNP to adequately fight against crime and violence, stressing that the police will not have the chance to move and build relationship in every community, but with their support to the Watch Forum it would buttress their efforts.
Community policing was established in 2004 to establish an efficient and effective partnership with the aim of creating rapport between the law enforcement agencies and members of the communities they serve.
Meanwhile, Bong County Administrative Officer, Sam B. Elliott expressed gratitude to the Liberia National Police for organizing such a unique program in the County.
The Bong County Administrative Officer pledged twenty thousand Liberian dollars to the Community Watch Forum of Liberia, Bong County Detachment as a means of buttressing their efforts in helping the LNP in fighting crime in the County.
The LNP Community Engagement Stakeholders consultation campaign brought together participants from the various Districts, including local government officials, civil society organizations, Media, Youth Organizations, Community Watch Forum of Liberia, Liberia Marketing Association, international partners among others.
