‘Misused’ Of Siren Angers Lawmakers
The Leadership of the House of Representatives has acknowledged receipt of a formal communication from the Inspector General (IG) of the Liberia National Police (LNP) Gregory Coleman, regarding the urgent need to enforce the regulation of vehicular sirens in the country.
The communication, which was read during the House leadership meeting on Monday, July 28, highlights the ‘unauthorized use of sirens by some senior government officials and other individuals, including some lawmakers.
Members of the august body described the ‘misused’ of the sirens as a “growing threat to public safety, national order, and the rule of law.”
Quoting article 38, Chapter 6, Section 6.21 of the 1972 Vehicle and Traffic Law, the Coleman reminded lawmakers that: “any authorized police, fire, or other emergency or official vehicle, may be equipped with a siren, whistle, or bell of a type approved by the minister, which device shall be capable of emitting sound audible under normal conditions at a distance of at least 500 feet.
Such siren, whistle, or bell, the IG said, shall not be used except when the vehicle is being operated in response to a fire alarm or other emergency call, in the immediate pursuit of a suspected criminal, or on other emergency business.
Coleman said that any use of sirens outside of these legal parameters is a violation, and will be met with appropriate enforcement and penalties.
He noted with concern the increasing abuse of sirens in recent years by individuals, who use the device to circumvent traffic regulations, thereby endangering motorists, disrupting traffic flow, and undermining the integrity of law enforcement. In his appeal, Coleman called on the Legislature to lead by example, and help champion compliance with these regulations. He urged lawmakers to demonstrate their commitment to accountability, discipline, and respect for the law. Meanwhile, the Liberia National Police has announced that full enforcement of the siren regulations will begin within seven days from the date of the communication.
As part of this process, Police IG Coleman has been invited to appear before the House Leadership on Monday to provide further briefings and respond to concerns from the body’s leadership.
The House of Representatives said it remains committed to upholding public safety and ensuring that the laws are applied fairly and consistently across all sectors of society.