Ganta, Nimba County – July 29, 2025 — With support from UNDP under the UN Joint Rule of Law Programme, the Women and Children Protection Section (WACPS) of the Liberia National Police has conducted a nationwide refresher training for over 25 officers representing 15 political subdivisions.
Held in Ganta, Nimba County, from July 22–24, 2025, the three-day session aimed to strengthen investigators’ skills in handling cases involving juveniles in conflict with the law, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), and other harmful practices affecting vulnerable populations.
The training emphasized survivor-sensitive and evidence-based approaches through practical, scenario-based exercises designed to improve investigative quality and support successful prosecutions.
Assistant Commissioner of Police and Chief of WACPS, Susie T. Telleh, urged participants to treat the training as a vital opportunity to refine their response to SGBV, domestic violence, and human trafficking.
“Handle survivors with respect, exercise patience, and do not compromise your cases,” she advised, highlighting the essential role officers play in protecting vulnerable communities.
Speaking on behalf of UNDP, Ms. Mazu Quaye-Stubblefield reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to strengthening the Liberia National Police and promoting institutional resilience within the justice system.
She emphasized using the training as a foundation for better investigative practices rooted in survivor care and legal rigor.
Facilitated by specialists from the Ministry of Justice, UNDP, and the International Development Law Organization (IDLO), including Counselor Alvin K. Anderson and Mr. Ballah David, the training featured group work and interactive discussions on key topics such as WACPS concepts and referral pathways, domestic and international GBV frameworks, investigative stages of SGBV cases, interview techniques using the peace model, crime scene management, legal protocols for handling child offenders, sexual and reproductive health rights, Rape law and case filing procedures.
Counselor Isaac George, Director of the Ministry of Justice’s SGBV Crime Unit, advised investigators to expand their perspective beyond reliance on medical evidence.
“Think beyond the ordinary in establishing probable cause. Admission alone is not conclusive. Investigation demands teamwork,” he said, urging officers to act with passion, diligence, and resilience in protecting women and children.
Chief Superintendent Dixon Jlateh reminded officers to let the law guide their decisions, while Chief Inspector Nyumah Gborie stressed the importance of legal standards for evidence admissibility and emphasized collaboration in every investigation.
This training marks a significant stride in advancing Liberia’s justice sector response to SGBV and safeguarding vulnerable groups.
By aligning policing practices with national and international legal standards, the initiative promotes a rights-based, survivor-centered approach across all counties.