By Precious D. Freeman
Inspector General Gregory Coleman hosted a special round-table discussion with 3rd-grade students from John Thomas Greaves’ Primary School during their 2024/2025 academic field trip.
The event took place on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, in the Senior Staff Conference Room at the LNP Headquarters in Monrovia.
This unique session allowed the young students to engage directly with Inspector General Coleman and senior police officials, gaining insight into the critical role of the LNP in maintaining safety and security across Liberia.
The roundtable offered an interactive platform where the students were encouraged to ask questions and explore topics related to law enforcement, community safety, and the responsibilities of police officers.
The discussion delved into several important topics, including the structure of the police force, the day-to-day duties of officers, and IG Coleman’s leadership experience in guiding the LNP through two consecutive Liberian administrations since 2017.
Students actively participated, posing thoughtful questions on a variety of safety concerns that affect their daily lives, such as crosswalk safety, drug and substance abuse, neighborhood accidents, and issues related to child violence.
Inspector General Coleman took the opportunity to reassure the students of the LNP’s unwavering commitment to protecting Liberia’s communities.
He emphasized, “We are here for you. Our mission is to provide safety and security, ensuring that you can grow and thrive in a society that is safe and supportive. The future of our nation lies in your hands, and it’s our duty to create an environment where you can flourish.”
A key highlight of the session was the announcement of plans to reintroduce the School Resource Officer (SRO) program, aimed at strengthening security in schools nationwide.
The program will involve veteran officers, both active and retired, who will provide mentorship and guidance on safety matters to students, helping them navigate challenges such as bullying and unsafe situations.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Frizgerald Biago also addressed a crucial issue during the session: traffic safety, particularly in the vicinity of schools.
He shared practical steps for ensuring safer travel, noting that speeding is one of the primary causes of accidents in school zones.
“Our first priority when an incident occurs is to ensure everyone’s safety. After that, we conduct thorough investigations to bring justice,” DCP Biago stated.
The roundtable also saw the presence of other high-ranking LNP officials, including Deputy Inspector General of Police for Administration, William K. Mulbah, and Commissioner for Administration, Abraham Deline.
Their participation reinforced the commitment of the LNP to engage with the community and promote public safety.
This event was part of a broader initiative by the LNP to strengthen relationships with young Liberians and foster a sense of community responsibility.
By engaging students in open dialogue, the LNP hopes to instill an early awareness of the importance of safety and security, while also encouraging the next generation of leaders to think critically about their role in building a safer Liberia.
As the session came to a close, the students left the LNP Headquarters with a deeper understanding of law enforcement and a renewed sense of civic responsibility.
The round-table was hailed as a significant step in building trust between the Liberia National Police and the nation’s youth, reinforcing the importance of education and collaboration in creating a safer society for all.