In what appears to be a brewing crisis within Liberia’s security sector, members of the Liberia National Police (LNP) Class 46 have raised serious concerns over unpaid salaries and lack of formal employment recognition 11 months after graduation.
The group, which comprises 647 Probationary Police Officers (PPOs), has served in various critical capacities since their commissioning and training. Yet, their grievances highlight systemic neglect by the LNP administration and the Liberian government.
Class 46 was officially commissioned in December 2023, following rigorous training at the Police Training Academy in Paynesville City. Their graduation on January 18, 2024, marked the beginning of active duty for many young Liberians eager to serve their country.
From providing security during President Joseph N. Boakai’s inauguration to managing the National County Sports Meet and ensuring order during the 2024 by-elections in Grand Gedeh and Nimba Counties, Class 46 has proven instrumental in maintaining national security.
Their contributions also extended to regulating traffic, responding to emergencies, and managing public order, including during the three-month motorcycle regulation initiative that generated significant government revenue from May to July 2024. Despite these accomplishments, members of Class 46 allege they have not received a single month’s salary since their deployment.
The officers have been operating without pay for nearly a year, surviving on sporadic allowances. Recently, the LNP administration disbursed USD 80 and 3,800 Liberian Dollars (roughly USD 100 in total) to each officer, which the officers have dismissed as inadequate and unaccounted for. Based on calculations, each officer is owed USD 1,650 in retroactive salary for 11 months, assuming the base pay of USD 150 per month.
Beyond the financial strain, the officers lament the lack of formal employment letters, which leaves them vulnerable and limits their access to benefits. Families of six officers who reportedly died while in service were told by the LNP administration that the deceased were “affiliating with the organization” due to the absence of formal employment documentation. This denial of benefits has compounded the officers’ frustration and deepened their sense of abandonment.
The officers’ grievances highlight potential risks to Liberia’s national security. Many officers face financial hardships without pay, leaving them vulnerable to corruption and undermining their commitment to duty. Some officers have had to withdraw their children from school due to financial constraints, while others have struggled to afford primary healthcare.
“This situation weakens national security and creates a fertile ground for discontent within the police force,” one officer remarked. “If we don’t receive our 11 months’ salary and employment letters soon, we will have no choice but to take unspecified actions. We are paramilitary officers who know how to make our voices heard.”
The demands of Class 46 are precise: they want their 11 months of unpaid salaries, formal employment letters, and recognition for their service. They have urged the Liberian government and the LNP administration to act swiftly to address their concerns, warning of potential consequences if their appeals are ignored.
The officers’ plight underscores broader systemic challenges within Liberia’s law enforcement sector, including inadequate funding, administrative inefficiencies, and a lack of prioritization of personnel welfare. The deaths of officers like Lusinei Manneh, Dennis Cooper, Prince F. Somah, and Otis Gweh, reportedly due to illnesses exacerbated by poor working conditions and lack of medical care, paint a grim picture of neglect.
The challenges faced by Class 46 serve as a stark reminder of the need to invest in and prioritize Liberia’s security forces. Their vital role in maintaining peace and order cannot be ignored, and addressing their grievances promptly is crucial to prevent further demoralization and potential disruptions within the police force.
Efforts to obtain a response from the Liberia National Police regarding these allegations through their Head of Communications, Madam Cecelia Clerk, were unsuccessful. Despite attempts, including sending her a text message for comment, no response was received.
