By Stephen N. Tokpah
(Freelancer)
Bong County Detachment of the Liberia National Police presented an “Excellence in Management Award” to the Inspector General Gregory Coleman for his service in the country.
At the Headquarters of Liberia National Police in Gbarnga on August 15, 2024, Commander Fasu V. Sheriff presented the award to the Deputy Inspector General of Police for Operations, Nelson Freeman, for onward presentation to Col. Coleman.
Reading the wordings on behalf of the LNP’s Bong Detachment, Freeman said, “This award is a testament to IG Coleman’s outstanding performance, dedication to service and the positive distinction he brings to the LNP and the communities it serves.”
Receiving the award, Inspector General Coleman expressed gratitude to the Bong Detachment for the recognition, describing the honor as a promising prospect for the Liberia National Police.
“This award is not just for me, but for all of us at the Liberia National Police who strive to provide professional services to the community,” he stated.
Coleman also commended President Joseph Boakai for his trust in his capabilities; pledging to work diligently for the benefit of the Liberian people.
The Inspector General’s visit to Gbarnga was centered on promoting community policing engagement in Bong County and throughout Liberia.
Coleman emphasized that his leadership has introduced a new security strategy aimed at fostering collaboration between the LNP and local communities.
The Inspector General of the LNP assured that, the Police has turned a new page in dealing with the community in the prevention of crimes and violence.
Col. Coleman said the purpose of the community engagement with stakeholders was to create awareness among community members on how to mitigate violence in their respective areas, and that his administration was prepared to work with the Community Watch Forum of Liberia and community leaders to prevent crime and violence in the various communities.
“The LNP’s mandate is: to maintain public order and safety, protect people and property; identify and recover lost and stolen property; prevent, detect and fight crime; identify and arrest criminals; and to enforce the law and testify in court,” Col. Coleman stressed.
He, then, encouraged community members to report police officers who are involved in breaking the law to the LNP Standard Division.
The Liberia National Police Inspector General further promised to provide two police vehicles to the Bong County Police Detachment for a patrol especially along the Madam Suakoko Highway.
As part of the LNP’s community engagement with stakeholders, Col. Gregory alongside Coleman also interacted with members of the Bong Athletic and Social Intellectual Center.
The Assistant Training Commander of the Community Watch Forum of Liberia (CWFL), Christin S. Weah, lauded the Police for organizing such a brilliant event that brought thousands of people together, especially the youth who are always involved in violence.
He affirmed that the participants will serve as ambassadors of peace in the various communities so that they could disengage from mob violence or justice.
He, however, recommended more support from the CWFL to help the police adequately fight against crime and violence, stressing that the police will not have the chance to move and build relationships in every community, but with their support to the watch forum, it would buttress their efforts.
Community policing was established in 2004 to establish an efficient and effective partnership to create rapport between law enforcement agencies and members of the communities they serve.
Meanwhile, Bong County Administrative Officer, Sam B. Elliott expressed gratitude to the Liberia National Police for organizing such a unique program in the County.
The Bong County Administrative Officer pledged twenty thousand Liberian dollars to the Community Watch Forum of Liberia, Bong County Detachment as a means of buttressing their efforts in helping the LNP in fighting crime in the County.
The LNP Community Engagement Stakeholders consultation campaign brought together participants from the various Districts, including local government officials, civil society organizations, Media, Youth Organizations, the Community Watch Forum of Liberia, the Liberia Marketing Association, and international partners, among others.
