IPNews-Monrovia,Liberia-20 August 2018:United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Ireland, and Sweden have donated 153 suits of uniforms to the Liberia National Police (LNP).
According to the donors, “the uniform will make their job easier, in order to serve the citizens”.
They said it is important to distinguish a police officer from the rest – for the individual police officer to feel part of something larger and for the people to recognize the institution.
Charles Lawrence, Program Advisor of Sweden Embassy in Liberia, said the donation signals unity for the police, to be police officer-to uphold law and order -is a tough job, and duty.
“It makes it easier to be transparent to stand accountable for the mission both functions of trust are crucial if a police officer is to be able to fulfill the duty of serving people,” he said.
“The police force is an important institution in any country, this as a police officer is acting for the nation in close proximity to its population.”
He said his embassy recognized the hard work of the LNP in preserving public safety and congratulated them for their hard work.
“We hope that these few uniforms will aid you in your job, both to find a common strength within the police force, and more importantly for Liberia people to know where the help and protection is to be found,” said Lawrence.
Mr. Pa Lamin Beyai, UNDP Country Representative, added that the officers should put on the uniforms and make sure it signals trust and integrity wherever they go.
He said the donation is geared toward capacity development for LNP and Liberia Immigration Service (LIS) adding that the groups of donors have been partners in this endeavor as rule of law.
Beyai said the US$40,000 spent to purchase the sets of uniforms is one of seven procurements the UNDP has made for the Police and Liberia’s Immigration Service so far this year.
“The uniforms will bring professionalization to Liberia National Police, promote good image and build the confidence of the people, uniforms are a symbol of trust and it gives you the authority to do your job,” he said.
“We will continue to work with you, working with both entities to develop five-year strategy plan, advisory service to LNP and LIS and the financial expert is here to help with financial management, we have been helping with community policing as well.”
Police Inspector General Patrick Sudue commended the donors for the uniforms.
He said the donation is a dream come through, hoping that there would be more donors assist in providing equipment to improve officer’s duty.
“Over the years we have not had uniforms supply to officers, 153 suits of uniforms, it is not much but we appreciate the efforts. We will ensure that the LNP officer will be attire neatly as the symbol of a man in blue is a public friend.
He says when an officer is sharply dressed they feel prouder and braver to work diligently as an officer.
“But when they are in fairly dress uniform they feel that their morale is not respected so please help the police to be presentable out there so that their dream can come to reality,” he stressed.
