Monrovia – Police Inspector General designate Gregory Coleman has committed his incoming leadership at the Liberia National Police to seeking the welfare of Police officers, and instituting high degree of discipline among the men and women in the Police.
Coleman said while the Police morale is low, he will focus on raising the level of discipline within the Liberia National Police, adding that while the force has morale problem discipline must be strengthened.
Col. Coleman told a Senate National Security Committee, on Defense, Intelligence and Veterans Affairs hearing Wednesday September 21 2016, on Capitol Hill that when confirmed one of his foremost proprieties will be to address officers’ welfare and change the outlook of officers in the field, making reference to the lack of uniforms for Police officers.
He told the Committee that the Liberia National Police has a pivotal role to play in the country’s transition and as such the moral and outlook of the men is important to win the confidence of the public.
Commenting on the reduction of crime in the Liberian society, Inspector General designate Coleman asserted that the issue will be addressed in an urgent manner as the security of the nation and its people cannot be compromised.
Col. Coleman said in his first hundred days in office the public will witness a massive presence of Police visibility in various communities beginning with Monrovia and its environs, stating that community policing will help to reduce the level of crimes.
He assured the hearing committee that engagement with the public is significant in the fight against crimes, adding that the people’s involvement in helping the Police to reduce crimes matter.
At the same time the incoming Director of Police has informed members of the National Legislature of his willingness if confirmed to engage that august body on matters concerning the Police.
“When confirmed by the body as the Inspector General of Police, I will remain in touch with this body on issues confronting the Police on periodic bases” Col. Coleman added.
For his part the Deputy Director of Police for Operations Col. Abraham Kromah said his return to the Police is all intended to serve the country and its people.
“If am confirmed, commitment and service to country will be the hallmark of this team”, Col. Kromah asserted before the Joint Committee on Capitol Hill.
He said as operational Chief designate his primary responsibility will be to institute discipline among the men warning of drastic actions against any Police officers that will undermine the true meaning of professional policing.
Col. Kromah said he will remain proactive in fighting crimes within the Liberian society. He called on Liberians to be respecters of the law of the country.
“The law is the guidance for all of and as such we must respect it to the fullest”, the incoming Deputy Police Chief said.