Published: April 14, 2025
GRAND BASSA — Rescue Alternatives Liberia (RAL) has conducted an intensive training aimed at strengthening collaboration between law enforcement and local communities in Grand Bassa County.
Founded in 1994, RAL is an advocacy organization focused on criminal justice reform, the abolition of the death penalty, and the prevention of torture. The group is affiliated with several national, regional, and international networks, including the Transitional Justice Working Group, the West African Human Rights Defenders Network, the Pan-African Human Rights Defenders Network, the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty, and the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims.
The training brought together more than 40 participants, including community members, women, youth, police officers, judicial workers, and journalists. The primary goal was to prevent crime and promote positive behavioral change through stronger community-police engagement.
A key focus of the training was empowering communities to work with law enforcement in creating safer neighborhoods. Through interactive sessions and role-playing exercises led by Col. William Johnson, commander of the Grand Bassa County Police Detachment, participants explored conflict resolution, communication strategies, and community engagement techniques.
Speaking on “The Role of the Police in the Application of the Criminal Justice System,” Johnson stressed the importance of trust and cooperation between police and the public.
“Fighting crime requires collective effort,” he said. “If we work together, we can reduce crime. Every organization in Grand Bassa should invite law enforcement to explain their roles and responsibilities in protecting the community.”
As a result of the training, participants agreed to establish regular communication channels, form neighborhood watch groups, and coordinate joint initiatives to deter criminal activity.
Magistrate Vasco Brown of the Buchanan Magisterial Court also addressed participants, urging residents not to take the law into their own hands. He spoke on “The Role of the Magistrate in Reducing Pretrial Detention” and pledged to support community engagement aimed at easing overcrowding in detention centers.
Meanwhile, Charity A. Mingle-Eze, deputy for administration and officer-in-charge at the Buchanan Central Prison, encouraged residents to follow up on their legal cases, noting that delays contribute to prison overcrowding. She also cautioned law enforcement officers to maintain impartiality and reject bribes or gifts.
“We must not mistreat detainees, but guide them,” she said. “Creating awareness is essential — community negligence is a key factor in overcrowding.”
Sam M. Nimely, RAL’s national program coordinator, highlighted the broader impact of the training.
“It has strengthened the ability of community members, police, judicial workers, and journalists to address crime more effectively,” he said. “By working together, these stakeholders can promote accountability, address social issues, and build community resilience.”
Nimely said the initiative has helped transform community-police relations in Buchanan, demonstrating the power of shared responsibility in crime prevention and public safety.
The training was held under the project titled “Greater Improvement of Citizen-Police Relations Through Increased Engagement and Collaboration,” funded by the National Endowment for Democracy and implemented by RAL.
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