LNP, Crime Watch Liberia Partnership Delivers ‘New Hope’

A growing partnership between the Liberia National Police (LNP) and Crime Watch Liberia has emerged as an important community-based strategy in the fight against crime.

With that, police authorities have credited the increased night patrols, rapid information sharing, and community vigilance for restoring a sense of security in several crime-prone communities.

As such, the patrol has restored sanity to Barnesville Junction, once a crime hotspot to security success story.

LNP spokesperson, Sam Collins, has publicly praised Crime Watch Liberia for its “valuable contribution to crime awareness, public vigilance, and community safety.”

LNP and Crime Watch Liberia, Collins said, have developed a cordial working relationship, particularly through the organization’s nightly crime-monitoring activities, and its volunteer “Night Birds” community neighborhood ‘watch’ teams.

“Security is everyone’s responsibility,” Collins said, emphasizing the need for citizens to actively participate in keeping their communities safe.

Night Birds Become the Eyes, and Ears of the Community

Collins said, the partnership has become particularly useful during nighttime hours, when Crime Watch Liberia receives calls, and information from residents reporting suspected criminal activities, or emergencies.

He explained how LNP officers on night patrol every time listen to the Crime Watch Liberia program on HOTT FM 107.9. by that, the officers are able to quickly respond when residents provide information about suspected criminal activity.

Collins specifically commended the Night Birds, which he described as “volunteers,” who remain in their communities at night; often under difficult conditions to observe, report, and help protect residents.

Their role, he said, goes beyond simply watching the streets.

The Night Birds help create a communication bridge between communities, and law enforcement, which allows residents to report suspicious activity while giving police additional information that can assist in responding to incidents.

Collins said, their courage, commitment, and connection to their communities make them important partners in crime prevention.

Barnesville Junction: From Fear to a New Security Reality

Perhaps one of the clearest examples of the potential impact of the LNP-Crime Watch Liberia partnership, is the Barnesville Junction along the Japan Freeway.

For years, the area has been associated with reports of robbery, harassment, and violent attacks, creating fear among commuters, business people, motorcyclists, and residents who travel through the area, particularly at night.

In one particularly disturbing case reported in 2024, a study on youth gangs documented the killing of a policewoman at Barnesville Junction after she was reportedly attacked, and stabbed by members of the ‘Triple 9 gang;’ a criminal empire with the code name.

Barnesville has also witnessed other serious incidents. In June 2025, a money exchanger operating at the Barnesville Bend and Stop reported being robbed at gunpoint in broad daylight. The victim said, armed attackers took thousands of dollars, and other personal, and business items.

Earlier violence in the broader Barnesville/Kebbah area also resulted in deaths, and injuries. In 2018, two motorcyclists were killed in a truck accident, followed by violent unrest in which a woman was reportedly wounded amid the confrontation between angry residents, and police.

These incidents explained why security at the Barnesville Junction has become such an important concern for residents, and law enforcement.

“People Being Attacked at Barnesville Is Now a Story of the Past”

Against that troubled background, Collins said, the security situation at the Barnesville Junction has significantly improved.

He specifically commended the Police Support Unit (PSU), SWAT I, police commander, female police officers, and Crime Watch Liberia Night Birds assigned around the Barnesville area for maintaining a visible presence, and conducting regular nighttime patrols.

Collins: “The consistent presence of police, and the Night Birds has brought relief to residents, and helped reduce criminal activity.”

Partnership, Not Competition

The emerging cooperation between LNP and Crime Watch Liberia demonstrates an important principle in modern community policing-the fight against crime cannot be won by the police alone.

The police have the authority, training, and mandate to enforce the law. Community organizations, meanwhile, can provide local knowledge, early warnings, and direct communication with residents.

When these efforts work together, information can move faster.

A resident who notices suspicious activity can report it. Crime Watch Liberia can relay the information. The Night Birds can observe developments within their communities, while police units can respond, and take appropriate lawful action.

This chain of communication can make the difference between a crime being prevented, and a victim being added to the list.