Monrovia – A new cooperation project valued at US$3.2 million has been launched between the Liberia National Police (LNP) and the Swedish Police.
The new cooperation is named the Swedish and Liberian Police Cooperation Project.
The project is an initiative undertaken by Swedish government through its Embassy near Monrovia.
Three Police depots, Zone 6 in Brewerville, Zone 8 in Paynesville and Zone 10 in the Doe Community on the Bushrod Island are expected to benefit from the project.
According to Swedish Ambassador Lena Nordstrom, the cooperation is in line with her government’s development cooperation strategy with Liberia for 2016-2020 amounting to US$158 million.
Speaking over the weekend in Brewerville when she handed over a letter of intent by the Swedish Development International Agency, Ambassador Nordstrom noted that the strategy is focused on three areas – basic crime investigation, crime scene investigation with specific focus on crimes related to sexual and gender base violence.
“The Letter of Intent is aimed at supporting the Liberian National Police in Brewerville,” Ambassador Nordstorm mentioned.
The Swedish Envoy said the new cooperation will take interest in human security, poor growth, and democracy, gender equality and greater respect for human rights.
With such Cooperation, Nordstorm believes the collaboration between the Police and the prosecution service can become more strengthen and effective.
She added that the Police Cooperation Project addresses the issues of trust by building the capacity of the LNP in their service delivery to the citizens of Liberia.
“Trust is built when there are regular and respectful engagements between communities and law enforcement officers,” Nordstorm said.
Ambassador Nordstrom further pointed out that state institutions like in the Police force can only be strong if those they serve trust their ability to deliver services that can impact their lives and society.
According to her, the new Police cooperation demonstrates Sweden’s renewed commitment and strengthened ties between both countries.
During the occasion Police Inspector General, Col. Gregory Coleman, thanked the Swedish government for the permanent bilateral tie that had existed between her country and Liberia over the years.
“Madam Ambassador you have contributed immensely, not only to the security sector, but in other areas of development which continues to tremendously help Liberia in achieving its development agenda,” Col. Coleman said.
He assured the Swedish government through its Embassy in Liberia that the Police under his watch will ensure the implementation of the new Police cooperation.
The Police Chief expressed delight that the cooperation will assist Police investigators to gather evidence and facts from crime scenes, which he named as a vital tool for prosecution.
Col. Coleman also challenged officers of the LNP to cultivate a sense to duty by becoming more robust in mitigating potential conflict in communities.
He said officers should not only see their responsibilities to effect the arrest of citizens who come in conflict with the laws, but must be able to speak with them on their duties and responsibilities as citizens.