Claim: “LNP officers fight over seasoned pork at GSA Road Police Station.”
Source: Lewis S. Teh and ViewNet TV
Verdict: Misleading, officers did not fight over seasoned pork, as social media posts revealed.
Full Text: On November 7, 2024, Lewis S. Teh, a journalist who works for Clar Radio, posted on Facebook that officers of the Liberia National Police (LNP) were involved in a fight over seasoned pork on the GSA Road in Paynesville. ViewNet TV, an online platform, also reported a similar claim.
The post is also seen here, here here, and here
The Liberia National Police (LNP) is Liberia’s primary law enforcement agency, and it was established in 1956. Its mandate encompasses a wide range of responsibilities to maintain public order and safety, protect citizens and property, prevent and investigate crimes, and enforce the law. The LNP operates under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Justice.
City police officers like those from the Paynesville City Corporation (PCC) operate locally to address specific community needs. While they share some responsibilities with the LNP, city police typically focus on local law enforcement.
Note: There is no particular website for the Paynesville City Police.
Verification: Cecelia Clarke, LNP spokesperson, when contacted clarified that the incident did not occur on GSA Road as reported but instead on Duport Road, and it was never for seasoned pork.
The altercation Clarke said involved an officer of the Police Support Unit (PSU) and a Paynesville City Police (PCP) officer.
“Nobody fought over seasoned pork. Such information is untrue. The fight did not involve two police officers but between City Police officers and LNP officers.
Clarke said, “One of the City Police officers struck an LNP officer, resulting in injuries. The matter is currently under police investigation.”
Clarke explained that the City Police attempted to arrest a motorcyclist outside their jurisdiction; in the process, the PSU officer arrived and informed them of their responsibilities as PCP officers.
“The City Police requested to see the PSU officer’s ID card. Although the PSU officer was not in uniform but presented his police ID card, the City Police officers allegedly refused to acknowledge his authority and accused him of obstructing their operation.
The situation escalated when additional police officers arrived and confirmed the PSU officer’s identity. As tensions arose, a citizen reported the incident to the Zone 5 police detachment, prompting officers to respond. Meanwhile, the city police sought backup from their headquarters, leading to a confrontation.
We also contacted Jeremiah Diggen, Director of Communication at the Paynesville City Corporation, to cross-check what Police U122 has said.
Diggen said a total of five Paynesville City Police officers were involved in the incident, two of whom sustained injuries during the engagement.
He explained that officers from the Paynesville City Police (PCP) were performing their duties at the Duport Road Junction when they encountered a motorcycle belonging to an unidentified officer from the Police Support Unit (PSU).
“Per local city ordinances, there are designated prohibited areas where vehicles, including motorcycles and Kekehs (tricycles), are not allowed to park. Diggen said, “Acting on this, the City Police took action against the motorcycle.
Reports indicate that a PSU officer was present with his motorcycle when he was approached by PCP officers.” Please see below a copy of the ordinance.
Diggen said though the PCP identified himself to the PSU officer, he was asked to present his identification card, which he (the PCP officer) was unable to provide.
During the interaction, Diggen said the PCP officer was recognized by another officer of the LNP but the PSU officer insisted that he (the PCP officer) was still in violation of the law.
The situation escalated when the PCP allowed the unidentified officer in question to depart the scene without any consequences.
“The unidentified officer claimed that his responsibilities were limited to monitoring issues related to garbage management. However, this assertion is misleading.
He said, “The local government, empowered by the act that established the City of Paynesville, has the authority to create laws governing city operations.
These laws align with the constitution of Liberia, with the city council acting as local legislators responsible for enacting city ordinances.
Conclusion: Based on the information gathered, the claim that LNP officers fought over seasoned pork is misleading and does not accurately represent the events that occurred.
