Commander James told the Liberian News Agency Wednesday that the police are put “in a very difficult position to effectively investigate crimes” and make arrests once crime scenes are tampered with and evidence destroyed.

He cited the recent death of 16 -year-old Lamie Jakiteh in Gbarnga, Bong County, who was allegedly killed by armed robbers.

James noted that before the police investigators arrived, the late Jakiteh’s body had been removed by unknown persons, affecting the capacity of the police to probe the crime properly and make arrests.

“In a situation like this or in others where evidences such as foot and fingerprints are destroyed or other material evidences removed, it delays the results of the investigation or implicates innocent persons,” he pointed out.

James then stressed the need for residents to report all criminal cases to the police whether or not they know the perpetrators, and advised them to stay away from the crime scenes to allow investigators professionally do their work.

“Unless you bring us your case, we will not know the problem or situation you face,” he pointed out.

He further warned members of the newly-organized Community Watch Team in the city to avoid harassing people as they are meant to compliment the efforts of the police in curbing crimes and not to perform police functions.

By Ballah Kollie, LINA Bong County Correspondent

LINA BK/JGT/TSS/PTK