- The newly assigned commander of the Liberia National Police (LNP) in Bong County has moved to strengthen ties with local media, signaling a push for greater transparency and collaboration as the county grapples with rising crime and public security concerns.
Assistant Commissioner of Police William Johnson, who recently assumed command of the Bong County Police Detachment, convened a one-day acquaintance meeting with radio managers, news directors and other media practitioners operating across the county.
The meeting focused on information sharing, public communication and the media's role in supporting law enforcement efforts aimed at crime prevention and public trust.
Speaking after the engagement, Johnson said the meeting was intended to reset relations between the police and the media and improve coordination on security-related information.
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"Taking over and understanding the history of Bong County, it was important for us to engage the media," Johnson said. "We must coordinate in the way information is provided to the public."
He described journalists as key partners in modern policing, noting that the media plays a critical role in keeping the public informed about police operations and security developments.
"Some people see journalists as adversaries, but that is not true," he said. "They are watchdogs and serve as a bridge between the police and the public."
Johnson reaffirmed the police's commitment to Liberia's Freedom of Information Act, assuring media practitioners that they would receive timely and accurate updates on cases handled by the police.
Bong County, Liberia's third most populous county with an estimated population of 467,502, has faced growing security challenges in recent years.
Residents and business leaders in Gbarnga have raised alarm over a wave of robberies and burglaries reported between mid-2025 and late 2025, targeting homes and commercial establishments and fueling public anxiety.
In response, the Bong County Police Detachment recently imposed restrictions on late-night motorcycle travel, a common means of transportation, following an increase in nighttime robbery and burglary incidents.
A prominent Gbarnga businessman warned that escalating crime has left residents and business owners fearful, calling for stronger police presence, improved logistics and greater financial support for law enforcement.
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Johnson disclosed that the detachment has begun a terrain management analysis, a policing strategy aimed at mapping crime-prone areas and strengthening engagement with communities and local stakeholders.
"We are conducting terrain management analysis, which will guide our operations and help reduce crime, including mob violence," he said.
The police commander pledged to foster a more cooperative relationship between the police and the public, assuring residents that his leadership will prioritize crime reduction across Bong County.
Journalists who attended the meeting welcomed the initiative, describing it as the first structured engagement of its kind between the Bong County Police Detachment and the media.
They pledged to work closely with the police and urged law enforcement authorities to maintain open lines of communication to prevent speculation and misinformation, particularly during major security incidents.
