By: James Myking Suah
GRAND KRU – The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Justice, has donated a brand-new Toyota Hilux pickup to the Grand Kru County Police Detachment in a bid to strengthen law enforcement and enhance crime-fighting operations in the southeastern region of the country.
This marks a significant milestone for the county, which has struggled for decades without a functional police vehicle. The newly donated pickup will be used exclusively for security operations across Grand Kru County by the Liberia National Police (LNP).
While acknowledging that significant logistical challenges remain, the county police detachment described the vehicle donation as a critical step forward. “Although the logistical gaps are still wide, the provision of this vehicle by the central government is a major boost to our ability to carry out law enforcement duties,” the Detachment noted.
Speaking to journalists via telephone, Grand Kru County Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Clement Barlatt, said the presentation of the vehicle follows extensive lobbying efforts by the Grand Kru Legislative Caucus in collaboration with the county administration. “This is the result of continued engagement to ensure we receive the support needed to tackle crime,” he said.
ACP Barlatt confirmed that the vehicle has been signed for and is currently in his possession in Monrovia. He also announced that he will be returning to the county with 30 additional officers who have been approved to bolster the existing police force in Grand Kru.
According to Commander Barlatt, the new pickup will replace the current reliance on commercial motorcycles to transport crime suspects—an unsafe and inefficient practice. “In the past, we had to use motorbikes to transport suspects. Now, with this vehicle, we can move suspects safely and more efficiently to Barclayville City for investigation,” he stated. “Where vehicles cannot go, officers will still use motorbikes to bring suspects to accessible roads.”
He emphasized that the new vehicle will enable the detachment to respond more effectively to crime scenes, enhance night patrols, and help restore law and order across the county.
Grand Kru is home to several gold mining camps where criminal activity has reportedly been on the rise, partly due to limited police manpower and inadequate logistics. Commander Barlatt described the vehicle donation as a significant relief not only for the county but for the entire southeastern region, where police resources are stretched thin.
He added that the vehicle will support police operations not only in Grand Kru but also in neighboring Maryland and River Gee Counties until additional logistics are provided by the government.
ACP Clement Barlatt extended his appreciation to Police Inspector General Gregory O. W. Coleman, the national government, and the Grand Kru Legislative Caucus—led by Senator Numene Bartekwa—for their swift intervention in securing the operational vehicle.
