By Jamesetta D Williams
MONROVIA – Inspector General of Police Gregory O.W. Coleman has wooed newly graduated officers of the Liberia National Police (LNP) and the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) to uphold the values of service, ethics, and discipline as they begin their careers in law enforcement.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony of 193 recruits from the Liberia National Police Academy and Training School, Coleman described the occasion as a significant milestone for Liberia’s security sector and a proud moment for the nation.
He congratulated the graduates for successfully completing their training and reminded them that they now bear the responsibility of protecting lives, enforcing the law, maintaining public order, and serving the Liberian people with integrity and professionalism.
“Professional policing begins with professional training,” Coleman said, emphasizing that effective law enforcement is founded on the principles of service, ethics, and discipline.
The Police Chief also commended the leadership and staff of the Police Academy for the remarkable progress made over the past year, noting that the institution is steadily evolving into a professional center of excellence for law enforcement training in Liberia.
Addressing the graduates, Coleman urged them to view their uniforms not as symbols of power, but as symbols of responsibility and service to the public. He stressed the importance of honesty and ethical conduct, warning that public trust can only be earned and maintained through integrity and accountability.
He further highlighted discipline as a critical component of law enforcement, stating that it enables officers to remain calm under pressure, exercise restraint, and operate within the boundaries of the law, even in challenging situations.
The Inspector General encouraged the newly commissioned officers to wear their uniforms with pride, exercise authority with humility, respect human rights, defend the Constitution, protect vulnerable citizens, and serve without fear or favor.
Coleman also called on Liberians to recognize the sacrifices made daily by members of the security sector, noting that law enforcement officers often work long hours, face dangerous situations, and spend extended periods away from their families in the line of duty.
At the same time, he emphasized the need for citizens to continue holding security personnel accountable to the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct.
Looking beyond the graduation ceremony, Coleman appealed to the Government of Liberia and international development partners to continue investing in law enforcement through improved training, modern equipment, technology, infrastructure, and personnel development programs.
According to him, emerging security challenges, including crime, narcotics trafficking, and cyber threats, require a well-trained and adequately equipped security force capable of effectively responding to evolving threats.
“An investment in law enforcement is an investment in peace, public confidence, economic growth, and national development,” he stated.
Concluding his remarks, Coleman expressed confidence in the newly graduated officers and urged them to honor their oath of service while contributing to a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Liberia.
The ceremony marked the graduation of 193 new officers who are expected to join the ranks of the Liberia National Police and the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency, where they will serve communities across the country and support national efforts to maintain peace, security, and public safety.
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