Editorial: Welcoming LNP Pronouncements, But…

The Liberia National Police seems to be re-examining itself on a number of shortcomings in the performance of its stator duties and functions. These shortcomings border on the behavioral nature of police officers as state security personnel should be well professional, as well as logistical defaults.

The Deputy Director of Police for Operations, Al Karley disclosed on Tuesday that there were some elements within the Liberia National Police in the constant habit of informing drug dealers about its operations.

Whenever raids were being planned and executed against these drug lords, information regarding such operations were leaked to the criminals, Karley told 162 police graduates at the National Police Training Academy in Paynesville recently.

According to the Deputy Police Director, it was against the Police Course of Ethics for members of the Force to engage in such practices, stressing that those charged with the responsibility of enforcing the laws must never allow friendship or any form of relationship to influence the police decision to enforce such laws.

He also frowned on the inability of members of the National Police Force manage logistics, including vehicles provided by friendly governments and international donors, making reference to about 200 vehicles damaged in  less than two years.

He noted that members of the Police have the responsibility to maintain equipment and vehicles donated to the police through the taxes of citizens of other nation, emphasizing that these vehicles were intended to beef up the high patrols of the LNP.

Similar concerns were also expressed by the Director of the National Police a few weeks ago at a news conference he hosted in Monrovia.

Director Mac Amblad placed specific emphasis on reports from the various communities in Monrovia and elsewhere in the country about attempts by some service men of the force abet crimes and aide criminals.

We commend the authority of the LNP for the realization of these problems and providing an understanding to the general public that those heading this law enforcement institution of government were not insensitive to the unprofessional behavior of some of their service men and women.

While we may see these latest actions by the hierarchy of the Liberia National Police as belated, we also give them a plus because it’s better late, than never because “to everything, there’s a time and season.”

Considering the fact that our brothers at the helm of the police have begun publicly identifying problems within the force they believe are against public interest, we think the Director and his top brass deserve some encouragements.

Measures must be instituted and effected on all logistics of the police, including assigned vehicles, so that no police service man or woman or even officer/commander using them would believe that because they belong the government, they must be mis-used. For example, if a vehicle is misused, the commander or officer must be held responsible as is being done at the judicial branch of government.

Again, these public pronouncements about the bad behavior of some of our policemen and women are very good, but the actions which follow to solve these problems may just be the best.

Directors Amblard, Karley and other top brass of the National Police Force must also make our service men and women to understand continuously that the force is not an institution for corrupt practices at intersections, street corners and checkpoints on the various highways of Liberia.

We are fully aware that the activities of our service men and women, as well as some officers at these places are characterized by intimidation, harassment, extortion and delays, and this is something they must investigate as a way of saving the image of such a noble institution and themselves as leaders.

While we say these, may we join the administration of the Liberia National Police to appeal to friendly governments and donor institutions to continue their assistance to the people of Liberia, through the Police.

We are cognizant of their numerous donations and assistance to include training and provision of logistics, but we say again, that when these men and women are not equipped (even to their teeth) to combat crimes and ensure public safety, “things will just fall apart because the center would, then, never hold.”