The Liberia National Police (LNP) and Cuttington University have embarked on a groundbreaking partnership to enhance security and community engagement through the construction of a new police depot on the university’s main campus in Suakoko, Bong County. This collaborative initiative signifies a paradigm shift in Liberia’s approach to law enforcement, emphasizing capacity building, strategic partnerships, and community integration. The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by a wide range of stakeholders, reflecting the shared commitment to this transformative project. Senior LNP officials, Cuttington University administrators, local government leaders, traditional chiefs, and community members all gathered to witness the commencement of this significant undertaking. The new depot promises to bolster security not only for the university but also for the surrounding community.
The partnership is envisioned as a multi-faceted approach to strengthening Liberia’s police force. It addresses key challenges such as an aging workforce and regional disparities in policing while fostering a more professional, educated, and youth-driven force. The initiative will see students at Cuttington University pursuing degrees in criminal justice, conflict management, and related fields, while concurrently undergoing structured police training. This dual-track approach ensures that graduating officers enter the force equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, ready to serve their communities effectively. Furthermore, the program aims to decentralize police training, tap into local talent, and particularly encourage female enrollment, aligning with the LNP’s gender mainstreaming agenda.
Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman hailed the partnership as a pivotal moment in the LNP’s evolution. He emphasized the program’s alignment with President Joseph Boakai’s ARREST Agenda and the Liberia National Police Service Charter, demonstrating the potential for collaboration between public institutions and academia to address critical national needs. Coleman outlined the vision of replicating this program across other universities and regions in Liberia, envisioning a nationwide network of educated and professionally trained officers. This strategic expansion aims to create a more robust and responsive police presence across the country.
Deputy Inspector General for Training and Manpower Development, Sardatu L.M. Reeves, highlighted the significance of aligning education with service, intellect with discipline, and youth with purpose. She articulated the program’s potential to address the LNP’s pressing challenges, specifically the aging workforce and uneven distribution of officers across different regions. The initiative’s focus on academic training coupled with practical police experience aims to produce officers who are not only intellectually sharp but also ethically grounded and operationally prepared. Reeves underscored the importance of decentralized training and emphasized the commitment to increasing female representation within the police force. The expansion plans for similar programs in other counties, including Lofa, Nimba, Grand Bassa, and Maryland, signify a nationwide commitment to modernizing and strengthening Liberia’s law enforcement capabilities.
The groundbreaking ceremony also saw strong support from prominent political figures, including Bong County Senator Prince K. Moye, District #5 Representative Eugene J.M. Kollie, and the Director General of the Civil Service Agency. Their presence underscores the broad-based recognition of the initiative’s importance and its potential to contribute to national development. Cuttington University President, Dr. Romelle A. Horton, welcomed the collaboration, highlighting the shared commitment to community safety. She emphasized the university’s belief that the new police depot will serve both the university community and the wider Suakoko area, fostering a safer and more secure environment for all.
The new police depot at Cuttington University is intended to function as a local command post, providing a range of services including crime prevention, rapid response, and community policing. It will also facilitate collaboration between police officers and students in areas such as criminal justice research and public safety initiatives, creating a dynamic and mutually beneficial partnership. The construction of the depot is scheduled to begin in the coming months, marking the tangible realization of this innovative and far-reaching collaboration. This partnership serves as a model for how academic institutions can contribute to national security and community development, fostering a safer and more prosperous future for Liberia. It represents a significant investment in the future of Liberia’s law enforcement and its commitment to building stronger ties between the police and the communities they serve.
