Monrovia — he incessant killings of innocent people and other criminal-related activities in the country have ignited fears amongst the population with President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf describing the situation as 'bad state of affairs'.

The President said the wave of killings and other acts of criminality have drawn the attention of government in dealing with the situation in a more robust manner.

She explained that every week the police backed by UN peacekeepers arrest persons linked to these crimes, but the situation continues to occur.

Addressing a news conference Wednesday following her return from the Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) Forum in Berlin, Germany, President Sirleaf disclosed that four officers of the Liberia National Police have been arrested for their participation in criminal activities.

The President did not reveal the identities of the officers and the exact crimes they may have committed. However, she said the arrested officers are among the "bad apples" in the LNP.

The President said she believes that the vetting process that led to the restructuring of the LNP was not as rigorous as the new Liberian army. As a result, she added that government has sought the assistance of the U.S. and British governments on ways of restructuring the police.

On the question of arming the police, the Liberian leader said members of the Rapid Response Unit (RRU) who are going through rigorous training abroad would be armed to fight crimes.

Regarding the establishment of neighborhood watch teams, the President said she wants them work along with UNMIL and the police, and not to violate the rights of others.

She called on Liberians to work with government in fighting crimes since it is a national issue.