-Pleads with Legislature for Logistics Assistance
By: G Bennie Bravo Johnson I
The Director of Police at the Paynesville City Corporation (PCC) has announced a significant increase in the presence of city police to enforce ordinances. However, he made an urgent appeal to the Paynesville Legislative Caucus for support in addressing critical logistical challenges faced by the police force.
This request aims to enhance the operational capabilities of the police, ensuring better public safety and efficiency in law enforcement.
Speaking over the weekend from his office in Paynesville, Director Melvin Tolbert highlighted the pressing logistical challenges facing the corporation’s police force, including shortages in manpower and uniforms. He emphasized that a lack of adequate logistics could significantly hinder the police’s effectiveness in maintaining law and order.
Tolbert’s remarks underscore the urgent need for support to bolster the police’s operational capabilities and stressed the importance of adequate resources in effectively managing the city’s security needs. “I would like to appeal to the five electoral districts in Paynesville City, particularly the Legislative Caucus, to assist us with logistics,” he pleaded.
Continuing he said, “We need vehicles—pickups and motorbikes—to facilitate our work. We are also appealing to philanthropists to assist us in this direction.”
Paynesville City serves as the gateway to Liberia’s capital, Monrovia. The city police are responsible for enforcing ordinances throughout Paynesville, ensuring that residents are protected from criminal threats and maintaining a safe environment for the community.
However, Mr. Tolbert also disclosed that the corporation recently trained up to two hundred additional personnel, raising the number of police officers from fifty-six to two hundred and forty-six. While this expansion will enhance the police force’s capacity to serve and protect the community, there remains a pressing need for additional manpower to meet ongoing challenges.
He emphasized that it is important to note that the PCC does not receive external support and relies solely on revenue generated within the city. This situation has prompted calls for additional assistance to strengthen the corporation’s resources and capabilities.
“Though we have limited manpower, our police have been working very hard. You can work freely in Paynesville under the protection of our officers,” he added, also mentioning the importance of collaboration to keep the city clean and green.
Meanwhile, Director Tolbert revealed that PCC has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Liberia National Police (LNP) to train the city police force, aiming to make it second to none, especially as Paynesville is the largest municipal city in the country.
He expressed his appreciation to the Liberia National Police (LNP) for supporting the Paynesville City Police in mitigating crime and enforcing city ordinances. Tolbert, who has a military background, praised the support of Mayor Roberts Bestman for his contributions to enhancing security in Paynesville City.
The PCC Director of Police made these remarks on Friday, November 1, 2024, when the Concerned Journalists of Liberia honored him as the Outstanding Administrator of the Year 2024. The population of Paynesville City, Liberia, is estimated to be around 700,000 people. It is considered a suburb of Monrovia, the capital city, and is geographically the largest municipality in Liberia.
