The New Dawn Liberia | Truly Independent

Police Director-designate Christopher C. Massaquoi has instructed highway patrol officers to go in hot pursuit of suspected criminals and help in reducing road accidents.

Director Massaquoi spoke Wednesday at the ELWA Junction in Paynesville during the launch of three major highway patrol operations, affecting the ELWA, Kakata and Bomi highways, respectively. He warned the highway and night patrol officers that they risk suspension or dismissal if caught taking bribes from drivers and motorcyclists.

“I heard people saying the initial highway patrol was not successful as a result of the conduct- the negative behavior of the officers… But I can tell you all that we will succeed, because the behavior of officers will be monitored,” said Massaquoi.

He charged senior officers, including Assistant Police Director for Operations, Darlington George; Chief for Public Safety, Mickey Gray; and Victor Gboryah to monitor and make daily reports to ensure the success of the highway and night patrol operations. Massaquoi announced that the initiation and setting up of the highway and night patrol strategy is part of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s 150-day Action Plan.

The police chief further emphasized that the highway patrol operation is not intended to enrich police officers by harassing and intimidating citizens, including commuters. He urged police officers to regulate high speed, over-loaded vehicles and traffic violations.

Speaking earlier, the President of the Federation of Liberia Transport Union William P. Flomo, pleaded with police authorities to curb difficulties they have allegedly been encountering with highway officers.

The LNP Highway Patrol convoy, accompanied by senior authorities, patrolled through ELWA and Duport Road main streets and passed through Red-light. The convoy later branched from Red-light through the Somalia Drive and made a U-Turn from the Red Hill Community before returning to the National Police Headquarters on Capitol Hill.