19 February 2018, Monrovia – The Liberian National police (LNP) is holding a six-day self-assessment retreat from 19 to 24 February 2018. This is an annual internal evaluation process to determine its strengths and weaknesses and to identify key priority areas for the LNP’s institutional and Operational capacity development. Among the Bilateral partners and stakeholders is the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), The United Nation Development Program (UNDP) and the US Embassy.

This year’s retreat will focus on the progress made by LNP with respect to the organizational structure, integrity, financial sustainability and viability, organizational performance effectiveness as well as the implementation of the new Police Act of 2015. The findings of this process will be incorporated into the LNP Development Framework (LNPDF) of 2018, that will entail making difficult choices, taking deliberate and bold steps to ensure that resources are directed towards priority areas.

The United Nations Police (UNPOL) Head of Transition Support and Institutional Development, Ms. Jane Rhodes, on behalf of the Police Commissioner Mr. Blatchly, commended the LNP for their hard work and recalled all the major achievements the organization accomplished during the years since UNMIL’s arrival in 2003.  “Currently you have human resource officers in the regions at a professional standard. UNMIL has helped the fleet in facilities and finance, in leadership training…” said Ms. Rhodes.

“The mission leaves but the UN is still here. All the findings during this retreat, as well as the assessment and hand-overs we are preparing will go directly to UNDP and also to all our international partners who will be here to support you. This is a critical time to be clear in what you need and where you are.” said Ms. Rhodes.