Liberia National Police: Good Beginning Steps, but….

Among the commitments made before the Liberian Senate by the new leadership of the Liberia National Police or LNP on Wednesday, September 21, 2016 is to address the issue of crimes

in an urgent manner, as the security of the nation and its people could not be compromised. A further assurance was that the public would be would begin to experience a huge presence of police visibility in various communities beginning with Monrovia and its environs in his first hundred days in office in collaboration with community policing to reduce the level of crimes perpetrated by criminals.

And if anyone had thought such commitments were intended to shower members of Committee of National and Veteran Affairs of the Liberian Senate with warm sentimental platitudes to ensure speedy confirmation of the Inspector General and his deputy for Operations, recent developments in police operations are a clear manifestation of its new agenda to ensure public safety.

Last weekend’s police operations in a few communities in Monrovia and its environs against crimes, especially armed robbery at which time a few armed robbers were “fatally stopped”, as well as deployment in Central Monrovia against car-loaders or “zogos” are indicative of the deeds characterizing such commitments.

While many would think it may be too soon to say that the beginning is good, it would equally be unfair not to encourage the men, women and officers of the Liberia National Police for such beginning steps and motivation.

At least a level of confidence and safety was restore among citizens – commuters, restraints, petite traders, as well as commercial drivers, down town Monrovia on Monday, September 26, 2916 as a result of the huge police deployment all over the place that discourage theft of various sorts by car-loaders, alias “zogos”, while there’s still high hope for peaceful ‘night rests’ for indications.

Unless the practical reality of the commitments of the leadership of the police is again politicized by politicians, especially ahead of the 2017 Presidential and Representative Elections in Liberia, to attract support/votes, hope for public safety is alive. We do sincerely acknowledge the government’s competing priorities, but the issue of internal security over seen by the LNP cannot be equally seconded.

In the wake of the inadequate budgetary allotment, we join the leadership of the Liberia National Police, in appealing to Liberia’s partners, donor community, as well as philanthropists, among others for logistical support. It is no doubt that the LNP is the urgent need of vehicles, motor-bikes, uniforms and other gears, as well as communications, among others to make its operations more effective and efficient, now that it is taking the first steps. Logistical assistance would further boost the morale of the men, women and officers in the field at night and day in engaging crimes and various traffic violations across the country.

Less we forget, the issue of better salaries, benefits and insurance would further augment their morale for the necessary sacrifices in the interest of the nation and its people.