Published: August 17, 2024
GANTA – The Liberia National Police (LNP) has commenced a two-day “Self-Evaluation” Retreat aimed at enhancing its service delivery across the nation. The gathering, held in Ganta, Nimba County, brought together senior officials, regional commanders, and detachment commanders from all 15 counties.
By S. Kannay Ziamo, Nimba County
Themed “Reawakening the Operational Wing of the LNP Across All Regions,” the retreat focuses on recalibrating operations and making necessary adjustments to improve service quality. It marks a strategic effort by the LNP to shift from a reactive to a more proactive approach in policing.
Addressing the retreat, Inspector General Gregory Coleman urged officers to demonstrate greater diligence in their duties, emphasizing that the LNP’s role is to serve the public effectively. “For too long, service delivery has been a cliché. It’s time we deliver what that word truly demands,” Coleman stated.
He reminded officers that their authority is derived from the people they serve and called for a shift toward a people-centered policing model. “We must focus on building a police service, not just a police force,” Coleman said, stressing the need for a policing approach that listens to and incorporates community feedback.
The Inspector General also highlighted the importance of establishing a “bi-directional” communication flow between the police and citizens. This, he believes, will foster greater community trust and collaboration, as citizens will feel more connected to and supportive of police efforts.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by the LNP, Coleman noted that officers operate in an “extremely volatile and vulnerable state” with low resilience. He encouraged the force to adopt a proactive stance in tackling these challenges, moving beyond traditional reactive methods to better protect citizens and maintain public order.
The retreat underscores the LNP’s renewed commitment to improving its operations and strengthening ties with the communities it serves, signaling a new direction for policing in Liberia.
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