By James Myking Suah
Barclayville, Grand Kru County – The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Justice, has donated a brand new Toyota Hilux pick-up to the Grand Kru County Police Detachment. This vital addition aims to strengthen and enhance law enforcement operations in Liberia’s southeastern region, particularly in combating crime.
For decades, the Grand Kru County Police Detachment has operated without a functional vehicle, hindering their ability to proficiently and effectively administer law enforcement activities. This donated pickup will be exclusively used for security operations across the county by the authorities of the Liberia National Police (LNP). While acknowledging that significant logistical gaps remain, the detachment views this donation as a crucial step forward in equipping them to carry out their law enforcement duties.
Speaking via telephone with Grand Kru TV News on Thursday, June 19, 2025, Grand Kru County Police Commander ACP Clement Barlatt confirmed the vehicle’s presentation. He stated that this donation is the result of prolonged lobbying efforts initiated by the County Legislative Caucus, in collaboration with the county administration, to secure the necessary logistics for crime prevention and combat.
Commander Barlatt confirmed that he has signed for the pickup, and it is currently in his possession in Monrovia. He also announced that he will be bringing an additional 30 approved personnel to be deployed in Grand Kru, significantly bolstering the existing police force.
The LNP County Commander asserted that with the new vehicle, the detachment will transition from transporting alleged suspects of crimes using commercial motorcycles. “Where a vehicle can reach easily, our men will use motorbikes to bring them to the roads to be transported to Barclayville City for investigations,” he explained.
ACP Barlatt anticipates that the new pickup will empower law enforcement officers to respond proactively to crime scenes, enhance police patrols at night, and restore law and order in Grand Kru County. The county, he noted, is home to numerous gold mining camps where crime is reportedly on the rise due to the limited police presence.
Commander Barlatt described the recent donation as a “great relief” for the county police detachment and the entire southeastern region, enabling more effective responses to incidents and the inter-transportation of perpetrators. He added that the pickup will bolster police efforts in Grand Kru, Maryland, and River Gee Counties until the government can provide vehicles for those areas as well.
The Grand Kru County Police Commander expressed gratitude to Liberian Police Inspector General Gregory O. W. Coleman and the national government, particularly the County Legislative Caucus chaired by Senator Numene Bartekwa, for their prompt intervention in securing an operational vehicle for the county.
Commander Barlatt emphasized the critical need for consistent transportation for law enforcement officers in Grand Kru County, highlighting the vast geographical challenges and limited resources they have faced in recent years.
Finally, the Grand Kru County Police Commander urged community members to collaborate with the police, stressing that effective policing requires the support and involvement of the entire community. He reaffirmed the detachment’s commitment to crime prevention and promoting community awareness through education on community policing and respect for the rule of law.
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