The House of Representatives (HoR) has mandated its Committee on National Security to engage the leadership of the Liberia National Police (LNP) and the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) on the recruitment and manpower development plans for both institutions.
The Committee has meanwhile incited the leadership of the LNP and the LDEA to show cause, while the numerical strength of their manpower has remained low, not meeting the expected occupations.
The directive, according to a release, follows a formal request by Prescilla Abram Cooper, Representative of District #5, Montserrado County, highlighting growing public concerns over national security threats, particularly the rising drug crisis and the persistent shortage of law enforcement personnel across the country.
Liberia, the release said, with an estimated population of 5.2 million, currently has 5,033 police officers, resulting in a police-to-citizen ratio of approximately 1 officer per 994 persons—far below the United Nations’ recommended ratio of 1 police officer to 450.
Additionally, the release said, LDEA has only 460 active officers, an insufficient number given the alarming spread of narcotics and substance abuse.
Cooper’s request calls for the leadership of both agencies—the Inspector General and the Commandant of the LNP Training Academy, alongside the Director and Deputy Director for Administration of the LDEA—to appear before Plenary to present their staffing levels, recruitment strategies, training plans, and logistical needs.
The forthcoming engagement is expected to inform legislative efforts aimed at strengthening national security and supporting youth protection programs.
The National Security Committee is expected to report back within two weeks, offering clarity on measures to enhance security operations and improve law.