By: Austin S Fallah – A True Son of Liberia, Africa, and Planet Earth Soil.
With the evolving geopolitical landscape and the emerging demands of true democracy, there is a paramount need for an efficient and impartial system in Liberia, that can investigate misconduct and violations perpetrated by members of the Security Apparatus thoroughly and judiciously.
It is therefore crucial, in this era of accelerating change in socio-political structures, to establish a Bureau of National Security Criminal Investigations under the soon-to-be-formed Ministry of Local Government.
In the advent of the comprehensive reforms proposed by President Boakai, wherein the Ministry of Internal Affairs is to be metamorphosed into the Ministry of Local Government of Liberia, it is prudent to consider incorporating the creation of a Bureau of Nation Security Apparatus Criminal Investigations.
A dedicated institution of this nature is not just a necessity but a requirement to uphold the sanctity of the law and deliver justice to all those who find themselves in contradiction to it.
One of the noteworthy features of the proposed bureau is its composition.
The recommendation is to include experienced current and former security personnel, lawyers of repute, and knowledgeable community leaders who will report directly to the Minister of Local Government with the stringent legislative mandate to recommend to the Minister of Justice for the prosecution of any national security apparatus personnel found violating the constitution, laws, and their assigned areas manuals.
This diversity in the composition is designed to ensure that investigations are carried out without any bias and reflect the true spirit of fairness.
A focus on building a representative body is critical to avoiding regional, ethnic, or communal leanings in the interpretation of law and order situations.
Investigations conducted by persons from varied backgrounds will not only ensure fairness but also bring a balanced perspective in every case.
Security personnel, backed by their wide experience, can provide insights into the modus operandi and dynamics of crime committed by any national security apparatus personnel.
Lawyers, with their profound knowledge of the legal framework, can ensure the integrity of the investigation process.
Additionally, community leaders, well-versed with the local populace and cultural norms, can serve as the crucial bridge between the establishment and the common community member, thus ensuring the involvement of societal stakeholders in the process of justice delivery.
The need to establish the said bureau is also rooted in Liberia’s effort to align with internationally acceptable conduct of peace or law enforcement officers.
The undertaking will not only enhance the credibility of Liberia’s security apparatus on the international stage but also reassure the citizens about the commitment of the state towards the fair administration of justice.
Such a bureau will act as a deterrent for potential violators within the national security apparatus.
