The Liberia National Police (LNP), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the International Development Law Organization (IDLO), launched a pivotal three-day refresher training program in Monrovia on August 29, 2025. This initiative, focused on enhancing the LNP’s capacity to utilize the Crimes Statistics Information System (CSIS), brought together 43 reporting officers from across the nation. The CSIS, a digital platform built on the DHIS2 system, represents a significant step toward modernizing Liberia’s law enforcement practices. It facilitates real-time crime data collection, promoting transparency and informed decision-making within the police force. The training underscored the collaborative efforts of international development organizations and the LNP to bolster the country’s justice and security sectors.
The CSIS training program signifies a critical step towards strengthening evidence-based policing in Liberia. The digital platform offers a game-changing approach to crime data management, equipping officers with the tools to analyze crime trends, allocate resources strategically, and evaluate the effectiveness of law enforcement strategies. This data-driven approach enables a more responsive and accountable police force, fostering public trust and ensuring that interventions are grounded in empirical evidence. The training specifically focused on familiarizing officers with the upgraded CSIS platform, ensuring they possess the technical expertise to utilize its full potential for accurate and efficient crime reporting.
UNDP’s significant contribution to the initiative reflects its commitment to supporting Liberia’s rule of law and justice sector reform. The organization has been instrumental in the development and implementation of the CSIS platform, providing crucial technical assistance, capacity building, and support for broader institutional reforms within the LNP. By promoting the adoption of modern technology and data-driven practices, UNDP aims to enhance the professionalism and effectiveness of Liberia’s police force. This investment in modern policing infrastructure strengthens the LNP’s ability to address crime strategically and respond effectively to community needs.
High-ranking representatives from the LNP and partner organizations emphasized the strategic importance of the CSIS training and the platform’s potential to transform policing in Liberia. Robert L. Nyahn, representing UNDP, highlighted the system as a crucial step towards more accountable and human rights-focused policing. Col. William K. Mulbah, Deputy Inspector General for Administration of the LNP, underscored the value of accurate crime statistics in informing decision-making, resource allocation, and strategic deployments. These leaders stressed the importance of accurate and timely data entry, recognizing the impact of reliable information on the credibility and effectiveness of law enforcement.
The training curriculum placed a significant emphasis on equipping officers with the necessary technical skills to navigate the upgraded CSIS platform effectively. Lisa Karlsson, UNDP Justice and Security Officer, and Chinyelumugo Okoh, IDLO Country Manager, both stressed the crucial role of the officers in upholding the rule of law and emphasized the training’s importance in strengthening justice and accountability in Liberia. The focus on practical skills development aimed to ensure that participants could maximize the platform’s functionalities, contributing to more comprehensive and accurate crime reporting.
The collaborative nature of the CSIS initiative underscores the shared commitment of international development organizations and the Liberian government to modernize the country’s justice sector. The combined efforts of the LNP, UNDP, and IDLO demonstrate a concerted approach to strengthening the rule of law and promoting effective, accountable policing. The CSIS platform and the associated training program represent a significant investment in enhancing public safety and fostering trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve. This focus on technology and data-driven approaches positions the LNP to better address the evolving challenges of crime and security in Liberia.
