By: Matalay S. Kollie
(Bong )
In a major step toward bolstering national security and police capacity-building, the Liberia National Police (LNP) and Cuttington University today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), paving the way for the first-ever campus-based police depot in Suakoko District, Bong County.
Themed “A Partnership on Capacity Building and Security Enhancement,” the event drew a wide array of dignitaries, law enforcement officials, and community leaders who hailed the initiative as a milestone in the modernization of Liberia’s policing system.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Sadatu L.M. Reeves, Deputy Inspector General for Training and Manpower Development, underscored the transformative nature of the partnership. “This ceremony is not just about signing an MoU or turning the earth; it represents a national turning point. It aligns education and service, intellect and discipline, youth and purpose,” she said.
Reeves explained that the initiative aligns with the vision of the Inspector General of Police and supports President Joseph N. Boakai’s ARREST Agenda, which prioritizes security, reform, and youth empowerment. It aims to address key challenges within the LNP, such as an aging workforce and uneven training standards.
Under the MoU, students will have access to formal academic degrees in criminal justice and related fields, coupled with structured training in police science. Mentorship and paramilitary instruction will be provided by LNP personnel. “This partnership is designed to build a generation of officers who are intellectually sharp, ethically grounded, and operationally ready,” Reeves added.
The decentralized training model is expected to ease the LNP’s reliance on Monrovia for recruitment and development, creating a stronger pipeline of qualified officers from across the country.
LNP Inspector General Gregory Coleman described the MoU as a new chapter for the police force, centered on vision, renewal, and collaboration. “This program is a prototype we intend to replicate in other regions and universities across Liberia. Policing must evolve—and that evolution begins with education, ethics, and empowerment,” he said.
Cuttington University President Dr. Romelle A. Horton praised the initiative, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to public safety. “This partnership is a testament to our joint vision for a safer, more secure learning environment,” she said.
Among the distinguished guests were Bong County Senator Prince Kermue Moye, District #5 Representative Engine J.M. Kollie, and County Superintendent Esther Walker Loileyah. All applauded the initiative as a step forward for law enforcement and community security in Bong County and Liberia at large.
