Published: September 21, 2026
BUCHANAN, Grand Bassa County — Applicants hoping to wear the Liberia National Police uniform could find themselves facing prosecution instead, as Inspector General Gregory O.W. Coleman warns that anyone caught submitting fake academic credentials, including falsified WAEC results, will be arrested and sent to court.
By Roseline Gbessagee
Coleman issued the warning over the weekend during the official launch of the Liberia National Police recruitment exercise, stressing that integrity must begin before applicants enter the force.
He said the recruitment process must strengthen public confidence in the police and remain free of political interference, favoritism, bribery and manipulation.
According to Coleman, anyone caught attempting to undermine the process will face consequences.
“When we catch you, we will send you to court and make an example of you,” he said.
Coleman said the LNP has already received more than 1,000 applications and that applicants’ information would be checked through the West African Examinations Council system to verify their academic credentials.
“We already have over 1,000 applicants. Today, we’re uploading all your numbers into the WAEC portal. When we find out that you submitted fake documents and fake WAEC results, we will arrest you and send you to court for prosecution,” he said.
The police chief urged anyone who has already submitted fraudulent credentials to withdraw them, warning prospective applicants against attempting to falsify documents.
“If you know what I know, just withdraw those documents. And if, for any reason, you’re even thinking about faking documents to come into the application process, let me warn you: the civil service may allow you to go, but as law enforcement, we will make sure that we arrest you and file for prosecution.”
Coleman said dishonesty during recruitment raises questions about an applicant’s suitability for an institution responsible for enforcing the law.
“When you come to join the police, you cannot come in by cheating. It tells us that you are coming with a mindset that justifies the means. In this process, the means to the end matter,” Coleman stated.
He also warned applicants against paying anyone to secure recruitment into the police, stressing that no individual is authorized to sell recruitment forms, examination results, training opportunities or appointments.
“Anyone who attempts to exploit applicants should be reported and will be investigated,” Coleman said.
According to the inspector general, applicants will be assessed strictly in keeping with published requirements and established procedures. Only candidates who satisfy standards relating to character, education, physical fitness, medical fitness and general suitability will be considered.
Coleman also used the launch to remind prospective officers that joining the police carries responsibilities extending beyond employment.
“To our young people considering a career in policing, I say this: you will be joining an institution with a proud responsibility to protect and serve. You will also be expected to help strengthen that institution through your conduct, discipline and commitment,” he said.
He said successful recruits must be prepared to serve Liberians equally, regardless of political affiliation, ethnicity, religion, gender, disability, social status or place of origin.
“You must be willing to work in any part of Liberia and to place public duty above personal interest,” Coleman said.
“Public trust is built through fair treatment, professional conduct, accountability and consistent service,” he added.
Coleman said the recruitment exercise forms part of broader efforts to strengthen the LNP, improve staffing levels and prepare a new generation of officers for public service.
“It is a commitment to improve our police-to-population ratio, renew an aging workforce, reinforce service delivery, advance gender-responsive policing, increase the participation and leadership of women, deepen public trust and strengthen the legitimacy of the Liberia National Police,” he said.
Coleman officially launched the recruitment exercise as the LNP begins screening applicants seeking entry into the force.
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