By: Rufus Divine Brooks Jr
Monrovia, Liberia – A recent investigation by Verity Newspaper has exposed dire living conditions at the Liberian National Police (LNP) barracks on Horton Avenue, sparking serious concerns over police welfare and institutional accountability. The findings point to what appears to be a failure on the part of Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman to address the deteriorating and unsanitary state of the facility, which houses both male and female officers.
The investigation found dilapidated structures, poor sanitation, pest infestations, and other environmental hazards that pose serious health risks to residents. These conditions, experts argue, are not just a humanitarian concern, but also a significant breach of duty by those responsible for maintaining standards within the LNP ~ notably the Inspector General.
“The morale and operational effectiveness of a police force are directly tied to the well-being of its officers,” says one local security analyst. “Neglecting this reality doesn’t just hurt the police ~ it undermines public safety and democratic accountability as a whole.”
Police Welfare: A Foundational Issue
In post-conflict countries like Liberia, ongoing security sector reform (SSR) efforts often emphasize legal frameworks, training, and equipment. However, this focus tends to neglect the foundational element of police welfare — safe and humane living and working conditions. Without this, SSR goals remain incomplete and unsustainable.
Academic research consistently links poor welfare conditions to low morale, increased risk of corruption, and poor professional conduct. Officers struggling to meet basic needs are more likely to become disengaged, stressed, and vulnerable to unethical practices.
Oversight in Question
As the top officer of the LNP, IG Gregory Coleman bears direct responsibility for the welfare and discipline of police personnel. His apparent failure to address conditions at the Horton Avenue barracks suggests either a lack of oversight, willful neglect, or a broader failure of institutional support.
The situation reflects a critical breakdown in both internal oversight mechanisms and the broader governance structure overseeing the police force. According to democratic policing standards, internal leadership — particularly the Inspector General — must ensure that officers are treated with dignity and respect.
An internal review and independent investigation into the matter have been recommended by civil society organizations and governance experts alike.
Accountability and Public Trust
The implications of the report extend beyond physical infrastructure. The conditions of the barracks challenge the public’s trust in law enforcement and the state’s ability to maintain basic institutional integrity. Insecurity within the security sector itself undermines the effectiveness of policing and erodes democratic accountability.
The Liberian government, as the employer and funder of the LNP, bears ultimate responsibility for ensuring humane conditions for its officers. Failure to act not only compromises officers’ ability to perform their duties but also sends a troubling message about the priorities of national leadership.
Call for Immediate Action
The paper concludes with urgent recommendations:
Immediate humanitarian intervention at the Horton Avenue barracks.
An independent investigation into the alleged oversight by the Inspector General.
Systemic reforms to institutionalize welfare monitoring and improve living standards across all LNP facilities.
Liberia’s long journey toward a professional, accountable, and community-oriented police force cannot succeed if the welfare of its officers is ignored. As the situation unfolds, all eyes will remain on Inspector General Gregory Coleman and the Ministry of Justice to see whether words will be matched with decisive action.
