Rising Public-Police Altercations

In recent months, Liberia has witnessed an increase in videos and reports of civilians physically engaging, insulting, or resisting police officers at checkpoints, stations, and during arrests. This trend undermines police authority, endangers officers, and erodes national security.

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By Marvin Voker Dahn, Captain (Rtd) CID/LNP, contributing writer

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Law enforcement standards in the modern media era have shifted toward heightened public scrutiny, increased transparency, and proactive communication. Liberia must adapt.

Every citizen is now a broadcaster, and sometimes, they put thier own spin on the story. Incidents of unprofessional conduct spread instantly, creating a perception that all officers are unprofessional.

For many commercial drivers and motorcyclists, a police stop means loss of daily income. Their reaction is economic survival, not just defiance.

On the other hand, some of these hstorical checkpoint culture has created an image of LNP as revenue collection rather than protection service.

I am of the opinion that our officers these days lack skill gap.. De-escalation, emotional intelligence, and public communication.

I like to suggest a mandatory body- Cameras for traffic officers.This protects both officer and citizen.
Every stop must start with: greeting, introduction, reason for stop.

I want to suggest that the authority institute an education campaign. Let’s say “Know Your Police” weekly program.
These days, the uniform and badge alone no longer commands respect, but PROFESSIONALISM DOES.

People do not fight officers they respect. They fight officers they fear or despise. If we adopt transparency, body cameras, and respectful communication, altercations will reduce, officers will be safer, and public cooperation will increase.

This is not about being soft on crime. It is about being smart, modern, and professional.