Bong County Police Commander Warns Officers: Stay Out Of Politics Or “Face Drastic Actions”

Ahead Of October 10, 2023 Presidential And Legislative Elections
PHOTO: Col. Fasu V. Sheriff, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Bong county
By Emmanuel Nakulah Mafelah, mafelahemmanuel29@gmail.com
GBARNGA, Liberia-The Assistant Commissioner of Police, Bong County, Col. Fasu V. Sheriff is Warning officers of the Liberia National Police to stay clear of political activities or “face drastic action”, ahead of the October 10, 2023 presidential and legislative elections.
Col. Sheriff made the comment recently in an interview with journalists in Gbarnga, Liberia central Bong County.
He stated that the Standard Operation Procedure (SOP) of the LNP will affect any officer that will engage in political activities during and after the elections adding that such involvement will undermine the neutrality of the LNP as a whole.
As a law enforcement institution, the Bong County Police detachment Commander said the police have a moral and legal obligations to provide protection for all could be candidates during the time of the election. He then reminded them that as officers of the LNP, they are to be cognizant of their civil responsibility to their county (Bong).
He said that any police officer seen camaigning, dressed in a political party T-shirt or involved in electoral activities will face the full weight of the Police Duty Manuel for actions.
Chapter 10 of the Police Duty Manuel states; “By virtue of the membership of the Liberia Police and in affirming commitment and independence in serving the community at large, no member of the LNP shall join or play an active role in the organization, non-official securing or holding of executive position in any political party or organization; he/she may freely exercise his/her right to cast vote in an election in Liberia.”
The police manual adds: “We are not politicians, and so we are not to get involve into political activities. Our actions must be in line with our responsibility as law enforcement agency”.
Col. Sheriff is at the same time urging the police to be more vigilance, by taking corrections in the execution of their duty, as the citizens get prepare for the general election comes October 10.
The commander of the Bong County Police detachment wants police officer to also be more professional in their interaction with members of the public, urging them to desist from any acts that has the propensity to undermine their professionalism.
The tough-talking Bong County police commander has meanwhile, called on every citizens residing in the county to work with the LNP, stating that doing so will greatly help the agency track down criminals or law breakers during this election.