Forty journalists on Thursday gathered at the Liberia National Police (LNP) Headquarters in Monrovia for a two-day training aimed at tackling misinformation and strengthening the safety of reporters covering crime scenes, protests, and emergency situations across the country.
The initiative, held under the theme “Strengthening Police-Media Partnership: Understanding Police Administration for Responsible Public Safety Reporting and National Security,” is being jointly implemented by the Liberia National Police and the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) as part of efforts to improve coordination, reduce fake news, and build public trust in security reporting.
According to the LNP Press and Public Affairs Division, the program is designed to strengthen police-media relations, address misinformation, and improve journalists’ understanding of police operations and communication procedures. Officials say the partnership is essential for ensuring accurate, timely, and responsible reporting during sensitive national incidents.
Speaking at the launch, the Acting Inspector General of Police, William K. Mulbah, emphasized the need to protect journalists in the line of duty while improving professional cooperation between both institutions.
He announced that the LNP will provide accredited police reporters with protective equipment, including helmets and high-visibility identification vests, to enhance their safety during protests, riots, and emergency operations.
The move comes amid repeated concerns that journalists covering volatile scenes are often exposed to tear gas, crowd surges, and security interventions without clear identification, increasing the risk of injury or confusion with protesters. The introduction of “PRESS” marked vests is expected to help officers quickly distinguish journalists in active operations.
The Press Union of Liberia, a key partner in the initiative, has welcomed the collaboration and reaffirmed its commitment to promoting ethical journalism and protecting media practitioners.
The President of the Press Union of Liberia, Julius Kanubah, urged journalists to maintain high standards of professionalism, especially when reporting on sensitive security issues.
Kanubah said responsible journalism is critical to reducing tensions between the media and law enforcement and improving public confidence in both institutions.
“Strengthening professionalism and ethical reporting standards is essential if we are to build trust between journalists and security actors,” he said.
A major focus of the training is the growing threat of misinformation, which both the LNP and PUL describe as a serious risk to public order. Officials warned that false or unverified reports—particularly those circulating on social media—can quickly escalate tensions, fuel panic, and trigger unnecessary conflict.
To address this, the LNP Press and Public Affairs Division will assign dedicated desk officers to accredited journalists to provide verified and timely information. At the same time, the Press Union of Liberia will establish a hotline system to allow editors and reporters to confirm breaking news before publication.
The first day of the training focuses on institutional understanding. Journalists are being introduced to LNP structures, the chain of command, and procedures for releasing official information. Police officers are also explaining why certain details are withheld during ongoing investigations and how public statements are cleared for release.
In return, journalists are briefing police officers on newsroom operations, including editorial deadlines, fact-checking processes, and the legal implications of publishing suspect identities before due process is complete.
The LNP Press and Public Affairs Division said the exchange is intended to improve collaboration, strengthen reporting standards, and enhance public trust in both institutions.
Day two of the program will feature practical simulations, including a breaking crime scene exercise where journalists and officers respond to a fast-moving incident scenario. Participants will also develop a rapid-response communication protocol for emergencies such as riots, accidents, and high-profile arrests.
Relations between the police and the media in Liberia have often been strained, with journalists reporting restricted access to crime scenes and, in some cases, equipment seizures, while police have raised concerns about premature or inaccurate reporting.
The Press Union of Liberia has documented several complaints of alleged harassment of journalists during protests and political coverage, underscoring the need for stronger safeguards and clearer communication procedures.
Thursday’s training is one of the first structured joint programs held at LNP Headquarters involving 40 journalists who regularly cover police and security matters for major media outlets in Monrovia.
Officials say the pilot initiative may be extended to other counties, including Bong, Nimba, and Grand Bassa, where reporters face similar challenges but often operate with fewer resources and limited institutional support.
Under the new accreditation framework, journalists will be required to present Press Union membership, a letter from their media institution, and proof of safety orientation before receiving official LNP identification and protective gear.
If fully implemented, the initiative is expected to reduce misinformation, improve safety for journalists in the field, and ensure faster access to verified information for the public during critical national events.
