By: Matalay Kollie |
Gbarnga, Bong County-In a major step toward strengthening campus security and law enforcement capabilities, the Liberia National Police (LNP) and Cuttington University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering a long-term partnership in public safety and professional development.
The agreement, signed on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, in Suakoko District, Bong County, sets the stage for the establishment of the first campus-based police depot in the region.
The MoU, which was signed under the theme: “A Partnership on Capacity Building and Security Enhancement,” brought together leaders from law enforcement, academia, and the local community.
The initiative is being hailed as a critical move toward modernizing Liberia’s police force and improving safety within educational institutions.
Hon. Sadatu L.M. Reeves, Deputy Inspector General for Training and Manpower Development, emphasized the national significance of the collaboration.
“This ceremony is more than a document or a groundbreaking, it marks a turning point for our nation,” she said. “It bridges education with public service, intellect with discipline, and empowers the next generation with purpose.”
Reeves also praised the leadership of the Inspector General of Police and affirmed that the initiative aligns with President Joseph N. Boakai’s ARREST Agenda, which focuses on national security, reform, and youth empowerment.
She noted that the collaboration addresses key systemic challenges, including an aging police workforce and inconsistent training standards.
The MoU introduces a groundbreaking model that integrates academic education with structured training in police science.
Students enrolled at Cuttington University will have the opportunity to pursue degrees in criminal justice and related disciplines while receiving mentorship and paramilitary instruction from LNP personnel.
“This program aims to produce officers who are intellectually sharp, ethically grounded, and operationally effective,” Reeves affirmed.
A major feature of the agreement is its commitment to decentralizing police recruitment and training.
By moving training opportunities beyond Monrovia, regional institutions like Cuttington will play a critical role in shaping the future of Liberia’s law enforcement sector.
Inspector General Gregory Coleman described the agreement as the beginning of a “new chapter” for the LNP.
“This initiative serves as a national prototype,” he stated. “We plan to replicate it across other universities and regions. Policing must evolve, and that evolution begins with education, ethics, and strategic empowerment.”
Cuttington University President Dr. Romelle A. Horton echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the shared commitment to both campus and community safety.
“This collaboration stands as a model of how academic institutions and national security agencies can work hand in hand for the public good,” she said.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were Senator Prince Kermue Moye, District #5 Representative Engine J.M. Kollie, and Bong County Superintendent Esther Walker Loileyah, all of whom commended the initiative as a visionary investment in Liberia’s public safety infrastructure.
