By Bill W. Cooper
The Director-designate of the Executive Protection Service, Sam Gaye, has promised a significant shakeup within the Service to curb the growing concerns of overcrowding within it.
Recognizing the urgent need for immediate action, Gaye alarmed over massive swelling of the EPS to over 900 personnel within six years of the former administration.
He stressed that once confirmed, he will ensure that a thorough investigation is done, so as to establish as to whether those recruited followed the necessary procedures as prescribed by the EPS Act.
Gaye vowed to scrutinize and optimize resources, as well as streamline operations to ensure the EPS can effectively protect the country’s VIPs with highest standards and sincerity.
For years, the EPS has been grappling with the issue of lack of professionalism, coupled with the recruitment of ‘partisans’ within the force.
As a result, there is increasing pressure on the unit to meet public expectations, with concerns regarding the ability of the EPS to effectively protect the President and Vice president.
During his confirmation hearing before the Senate Committee on Defense, Security and Intelligence, the EPS Director-designate said he brings decades of law enforcement experience and a fresh vision to tackle the overcrowding crisis head-on.
According to him, his first move, when confirmed by the Senate, will be to commence an internal investigation and a comprehensive shakeup of the unit’s structure, operations, and recruitment processes.
He noted, “I am saying this, distinguished Senators, because the EPS is very overcrowded. The number has surpassed what we left during time in service.”
“I can remember that we left over 400 personnel, but now, it has climbed to over 800 personnel and honestly speaking, the EPS doesn’t need 800 to 900 men to protect the VIP.
So, we will downsize them, but will do proper investigation as to whether they follow the procedure which calls for high school diploma, interview, and a six-month training before joining the EPS,” Gaye assured.
He narrated, “This is our vision, to ensure that the EPS, under my watch, will be very ill-political, because we as law enforcement officers are to serve Liberia and not an individual.”
The EPS Director-designate, at the same time, vowed to ensure an in-service training for the personnel, informing them about their roles and responsibilities.
Commenting on the recent incident during the United Methodist University (UMU) convocation, which witnessed an attack on President Boakai, Gaye said that the situation is under investigation.
He added, “That situation is being addressed by the EPS and the Liberia National Police (LNP). Active investigation is ongoing and the outcome of that investigation will be made public soon.”
