The Liberia National Police regularly conducts a Community Policing programme in communities across districts in Maryland, and these two-hour sessions are closely monitored by mentors deployed by the UN Police in the County.

“Residents from different communities have fully endorsed the idea of Community Policing Watch Forum,” says Alexander W. Togba, the LNP officer in charge of Community Services in Maryland County. “The aim is to help the public buy into the concept of interdependence, shared responsibility and partnership between the police and community.”

Focus in their outreach during the month of May 2013 was on sensitizing the public against mob justice, and coaching the communities in dealing with tensions and difficulties. At successive presentations in Big Town, Fish Town and Little, Togba cautioned against violence, pointing to the potential for violating human rights and even causing death. He also warned against unauthorized demonstrations and riots.

Members of the communities were further urged to desist from the practice of witchcraft and casting spells on suspects. They were encouraged to eschew superstition and rather look for concrete information and evidence to help with police investigations.

Togba also urged community members to be supportive of one another, starting with the family and home. Marine safety was also emphasized, and canoe operators were warned of the dangers in overloading.

Generally, the audiences were very appreciative of the initiative, welcoming especially efforts by the LNP to use local interpreters who helped with communicating to them in the local dialect.

On the down side, though, LNP officers lamented operational constraints. “The community policing unit in the County still has no means of transportation, no radio nor official phone for communication,” said Togba, adding that his unit was also short of stationery.

Concurring, some residents too observed that complainants often have to provide the LNP with gasoline to enable them get to the crime scene or to make an arrest.