One of the main goals of the Liberian National Police is to create a closer and more harmonious relationship with the community. Community policing departments recognize the fact that the police cannot effectively deal with crimes alone, and must partner with others who share a mutual responsibility for resolving problems. Regular meetings with the most active members of a local community are one of the best ways to reach the goal of tightening “police-society” co-operation.

Considering this, LNP representatives and local community members on 10 May met with community members at Zone 6 Base, at the Brewerville Town hall.

The meeting with community leaders and members was aimed at reducing crime and resolving community policing issues. The theme for the meeting was, “Police & the Community: Together We Fight Crime.”  The meeting was attended by Abraham Kromah, Deputy Inspector General for LNP Operations, George V. Curtis, Brewerville City Mayor, ACP Theodora D. Woart, Chief of LNP Community Services Section, Area Commander C/Supt Blama Yancy, local police station officials and the UNPOL Community Policing Advisory Team.

Turning over the land deed for the Zone 6 Base building was the core purpose of this meeting. On behalf of the LNP, the document was received by Kromah, who praised Curtis and admitted that the police station is a worthy cause for the building because police services are for all citizens.
 
“The public are expecting the police to help them in times of emergency. On the other hand, the police rely on the community to inform them about crime and provide important information, which is vital for them to fight crimes and criminals,” Kromah noted.
 
In response, one of the community leaders said that there can be no development without peace, and keeping the peace is everybody’s duty. With peace, the economy will grow faster, education levels will increase and the country will move forward on its way to prosperity.

Kromah also answered community members’ questions and concerns in a question and answer segment of the meeting. Representatives of motorcyclist unions, youth representatives, business community members, and women and elder group representatives also took their chance to pose questions on different issues.

UNPOLs Jamick Kithinji and U.E. Onyeke also addressed the audience, mentioning the importance of rule of law. After the meeting, a football match was played between police and the community.