GRAND BASSA CO., LIBERIA – Rescue Alternatives Liberia (RAL) has provided intensive training as part of efforts in building a cohesive relationship among law enforcement agencies and communities in Grand Bassa County.
The over forty (40) participants of the training included community members, women, youth, police officers, judicial workers, journalists, and it was aimed at preventing crimes and other unwholesome behaviors.
The training also focused on empowering community members to work together with law enforcement agencies to create a safe and secure environment. Through interactive and role-playing exercises provided by the Commander of the Grand Bassa County Police Detachment, Colonel William Johnson, the participants learned about conflict resolution, communication skills, and community engagement strategies.
Col. Johnson lectured the participants on “The role of the police in the application of the criminal justice system.”
As a result of the training, community members and law enforcement established regular communication channels, organized neighborhood watch groups, and planned to conduct joint engagements to deter criminal activities.
Speaking further, Col. Johnson assured that the cooperation between the community and the police will foster trust and mutual respect, leading to improved collaboration in crime prevention efforts. “To fight crimes requires joint efforts. If we work together with the police we will reduce crimes. Every organization in Grand Bassa County should try to jointly protect our communities and county by inviting law enforcement agencies to explain their roles and responsibilities and what plans they have in protecting the communities,” Col. Johnson said.
For his part, the Magistrate of the Buchanan Magisterial Court, Vasco Brown cautioned the community members to stop taking laws into their own hands. Magistrate Brown who lectured on “The role of the magistrate in reducing pretrial detention” pledged his commitment in working with the communities and other enforcement agencies in reducing overcrowding at the prison centers.
Also speaking, the Deputy for Administration and Officer-In-Charge of the Buchanan Central Prison, Madam Charity A. Mingle-Eze calls on community members to follow up their cases because it is contributing to overcrowding at the prison.
Madam Mingle-Eze further called on law enforcement agencies to be straight to the point and don’t be biased. She said “Don’t accept gifts. We don’t need to ill-treat them, but serve as guidance. It is necessary to create awareness. Community members are contributing to the overcrowding.”
Additionally, the National Program Coordinator of Rescue Alternatives Liberia (RAL), Sam M. Nimely said “The training has enhanced the capacity of community members, police, judicial workers and journalists to report on crime issues accurately and effectively. By working together, these different stakeholders will be able to address social issues, promote accountability, and strengthen community resilience.”
Mr. Nimely said the training on community policing has transformed the relationship between communities and law enforcement in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, showcasing the power of collaboration and shared responsibility in preventing crime and promoting safety.
The training is part of the project titled: “Greater improvement of citizen-police relations through increased engagement and collaboration” and is funded by the National Endowment for Democracy implemented by RAL.
About RAL:
Rescue Alternatives Liberia (RAL) is a criminal justice system reform; death penalty abolition, and anti-torture advocacy group with membership of several national, regional, and international coalitions/networks, including Transitional Justice Working Group, West African Human Rights Defenders Networks, Pan African Human Rights Defender Networks, The World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, and International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT). RAL was established in 1994.
