On the evening of July 19, 1955, Liberia was rocked by a dramatic and alarming incident. President William V.S. Tubman was scheduled to deliver a significant public address in Monrovia, the capital city. The event, intended to be a demonstration of the President’s continued engagement with the public and his commitment to national progress, quickly turned into a crisis.
As President Tubman addressed the assembled crowd, a sudden and violent disturbance occurred. An unknown assailant opened fire with the intent to assassinate the President. The attack unfolded rapidly, creating chaos and panic among those present. Despite the confusion and the immediate danger, the quick and decisive actions of President Tubman’s security detail played a crucial role in averting a tragedy. The security personnel, trained to respond to such threats, acted swiftly to neutralize the immediate danger and protect the President.
While President Tubman emerged from the incident unharmed, the attack resulted in injuries to several bystanders caught in the crossfire. The incident underscored the serious security risks faced by the nation’s leader and highlighted the urgent need for an enhanced security apparatus.
Immediate Response and Investigation
In the wake of the assassination attempt, President Tubman ordered a comprehensive and urgent investigation to determine the perpetrators behind the attack. The investigation revealed that the assassination attempt was the work of a group of political dissidents and individuals who were opposed to Tubman’s administration. These groups sought to destabilize the government and challenge the President’s authority through acts of violence and intimidation.
The investigation also uncovered that the attackers had connections to various factions discontented with Tubman’s reforms and leadership. Their objective was to create political instability and undermine the President’s credibility, using violence as a means to achieve their ends.
Recognizing the need for a more robust and specialized security force, President Tubman decided to take decisive action in response to the assassination attempt. He announced the establishment of the Special Security Service (SSS) as a direct consequence of the attack. The creation of the SSS was a strategic move aimed at addressing the vulnerabilities in the existing security arrangements and ensuring the protection of the President, high-ranking officials, and critical national infrastructure.
The SSS was designed as a specialized security agency with the following key objectives:
Enhanced Protection: The primary mission of the SSS was to provide round-the-clock protection for President Tubman and other high-ranking officials. The agency was tasked with ensuring the safety of the President during public appearances, official functions, and private engagements.
Specialized Training: The SSS underwent extensive training to develop the specialized skills required for high-level security operations. This included advanced techniques in threat assessment, crisis management, and close protection.
Advanced Security Measures: The SSS implemented cutting-edge security measures and protocols to address potential threats effectively. This involved the use of modern technology and strategic planning to enhance the agency’s ability to respond to security challenges.
Intelligence and Investigation: In addition to protection duties, the SSS was responsible for gathering intelligence, conducting investigations, and addressing security threats. The agency played a crucial role in monitoring potential risks and preventing future attacks.
Impact and Legacy
The establishment of the Special Security Service (SSS) marked a significant advancement in Liberia’s approach to national security. The agency’s creation was a direct response to the security challenges faced during President Tubman’s tenure and represented a proactive step towards safeguarding the nation’s leadership.
The SSS’s formation laid the groundwork for a more organized and effective security framework, capable of addressing the complexities of protecting high-ranking officials in a politically charged environment. This development was a crucial step in strengthening Liberia’s security infrastructure and ensuring the continued stability of the government.
The creation of the SSS represented a significant advancement in Liberia’s approach to security. The agency was designed to address the specific threats faced by the President and other key officials, incorporating specialized training and sophisticated security protocols. The SSS played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of Liberia’s leaders and maintaining national stability.
Rebranding to EPS
In line with the broader Security Sector Reform process and to better reflect the evolving needs of Liberia’s security environment, the SSS was rebranded as the Executive Protection Service (EPS). This rebranding was intended to align the agency’s operations with international standards and enhance its effectiveness.
The transition from SSS to EPS involved several key changes:
Structural Reorganization: The rebranding process included a comprehensive restructuring of the agency’s organizational framework. The number of deputy and assistant positions was reduced, streamlining the decision-making process and eliminating bureaucratic inefficiencies. The new management structure features a more agile and responsive decision-making hierarchy, including a director, an assistant director, divisional chiefs, sectional heads, commanders, and team leaders.
Operational Improvements: The EPS adopted modern operational procedures and protocols to enhance its effectiveness. This included updating standard operating procedures, implementing a revised disciplinary code of conduct, and establishing a para-military ranking system that aligns with international best practices.
Training and Development: The EPS invested in continuous training and professional development for its personnel. The aim was to build capacity and ensure that all EPS members were equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their duties with the highest level of professionalism.
Enhanced Efficiency: The restructured EPS focuses on a decision-oriented chain of authority, moving away from the previous bureaucratic approach. This change has empowered the agency to operate more effectively and respond to security challenges with greater agility.
The updated framework of the EPS supports its mission to provide exceptional security services and uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.