Residents of Dixville Township, Montserrado County, now have their first police depot since the township was established many years ago. Prior to construction of the depot, Dixville residents and local authorities experienced high rates of crime and escapes of criminals from make-shift detention facilities. UNMIL’s Quick Impact Project (QIP) provided the funds for the construction of the depot.

“Community policing is an essential component of police service,”  said Jane Rhodes, UNPOL Reform and Restructuring Coordinator, during the hand-over ceremony. She said police cannot succeed without community members’ support and cooperation. “The construction of Dixville depot is a big step towards the maintenance of rule of law in the community”, Rhodes said, as she urged community members to acquaint themselves with local authorities and police personnel in maintaining peace and security.

“As UNMIL begins its draw down activities it is about time Liberians and LNP begin to take responsibility of their own security,” said Deputy Inspector of Liberia National Police (LNP), Rose Stryker. She said LNP will have to increase its current strength of about 4,000 to 8,000 to meet the security challenge during the absence of UNMIL. “We are committed to making sure that the men and women being recruited into the LNP are qualified to provide professional police service,” Stryker said. “We are here for you, we want you to feel safe,” she told the residents who had gathered to watch the handover ceremony.

According to Joseph R.N. Anderson, Chairman of the Board of Deacons of the Union Baptist Church, the construction of the depot in Dixville is the result of  an appeal made earlier to Liberia’s Vice President Joseph Boakai. The Church provided the plot of land for the construction. Anderson said residents of the township are happy for the police depot and expressed thanks to Vice President Boakai and UNMIL for aiding the process. 

            
Sylvester Lama, Montserrado County Assistant Superintendent for Development, assured Dixville residents of the government’s support for security for its citizens. Lama appealed to the management of UNMIL to construct another depot in Harrisburg Community situated off the townships of Caldwell and Dixville. He called on residents of Dixville Township to cooperate with LNP personnel in the provision of security.