Introduction to the Training Program
Medica Liberia has initiated a five-day Stress and Trauma-Sensitive Training of Trainers (ToT) for senior instructors and training officers at the Liberia National Police (LNP) Academy and Training School. This program is designed to enhance the capacity of police trainers to incorporate trauma-sensitive approaches into their instructional methods and daily operations. The goal is to foster a more empathetic, responsive, and survivor-centered policing system in Liberia.
Objectives of the Training
The primary objective of this training is to equip police instructors and officers with the necessary skills to understand and address the human side of policing. According to DCP Benedict S. Kpehe, Deputy Commissioner of police for Training, LNP-ATS, the initiative aims to help instructors and officers better comprehend the emotional and psychological aspects of their work.
The training is being held at the National Police Training Academy and Training School in Paynesville. It brings together officers from various academy units, aiming to deepen their understanding of how stress and trauma affect both survivors of violence and law enforcement personnel.
Key Modules and Activities
Through interactive sessions, participants will explore strategies for addressing trauma within police work, handling sensitive cases such as sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), and promoting psychological well-being within the force. Madam Florida D. Clarke, Psychosocial/GBV Trainer at Medica Liberia, emphasized the importance of a trauma-sensitive approach in strengthening the justice and security sectors.
“When police officers are equipped to understand trauma, both their own and that of survivors, it transforms how justice is delivered,” Madam Clarke said.
The five-day training will cover key modules including stress management, trauma awareness, self-care for law enforcement officers, survivor-centered communication, and trauma-informed investigation techniques. Trainers will also learn to cascade these skills to new recruits and junior officers as part of the LNP’s ongoing curriculum development efforts.
Support and Collaboration
The initiative is supported by the collaboration between Medica Liberia and the Ministry of Justice, as well as the Liberia National Police Academy and Training School. This partnership aims to strengthen the national response to SGBV and institutionalize Stress and Trauma-Sensitive Approaches (STSA) within the law enforcement sector.
Commissioner Saymor K. Mulbah, Commissioner of Police for Training and Manpower Development of the LNP-Training Academy, welcomed the collaboration and officially opened the training. He stated, “This training will help our instructors and officers understand the human side of policing. When we approach our work with empathy and awareness, we serve the people of Liberia better, and we build stronger connections between the police and the communities we protect.”
Conclusion and Future Impact
At the conclusion of the workshop, participants will be certified as trainers and are expected to integrate trauma-sensitive practices into future police training programs. This ensures sustainability and long-term impact across Liberia’s law enforcement structures.