"August 2013"--Table of contents page. "This report was written by Valerie Brender, fellow in Human Rights Watch's Africa Division, based on research she conducted with Matt Wells, researcher in the Africa Division and Rona Peligal, deputy director of the Africa division"--Page 64. Includes bibliographical references.
Contents:
Acknowledgments. Map of Liberia -- Map of Monrovia -- Summary -- Recommendations -- To the government of Liberia -- To the LNP: Transparency and strengthening oversight -- To the LNP: Professional Standards Division -- To the LNP: Recruitment and training -- To independent government accountability agencies -- To the United Nations and donor government -- Methodology -- Background -- From war to reconstruction: Rebuilding Liberia and its security sector -- Governance and corruption in Liberia -- Security and development -- V. Paying the police for justice -- Payment to register a case -- Transportation and other logistics "fees" -- Payments for release from police detention -- Mob violence and vigilante groups -- II. Police as predators, not protectors -- Armed shakedowns -- III. Police extortion and other abuses in the informal sector -- Street vendors -- Motorcycle taxi drivers -- Taxi drivers -- IV. The LNP and corruption -- Logistical support -- Salary -- Logistics: Vehicles, fuel, and supplies -- Uniforms -- Lack of support and police morale -- Absenteeism -- "Hustling" -- Sending money up the chain of command -- V. Accountability mechanisms -- Professional Standards Division -- Independent government oversight bodies -- Poverty reduction strategy and vision 2030 -- Acknowledgments.
Summary:
"Police corruption in Liberia undermines access to justice, results in human rights violations, and compromises the establishment of the rule of law in this post-conflict country. Liberian victims of crimes must pay authorities at every stage of a case investigation. Because of the prevalence of police corruption, "justice is not for the poor" is a catchphrase of many Liberians who say wealth, not guilt, often determines the outcome of criminal cases. "No Money, No Justice": Police Corruption and Abuse in Liberia documents the impact of police corruption on the administration of justice. Motorcycle taxi drivers, street sellers, and taxi drivers--whose work keeps them on the streets--are particularly vulnerable to bribery demands from the police. Police officers often arbitrarily arrest and detain and rob these workers, who typically live in poverty. Liberian police officers themselves face numerous challenges in performing their jobs. They lack essential resources, such as fuel for vehicles, and work long hours for low salaries. Commanders pressure their subordinates to make payments up the chain of command, particularly in exchange for promotion. The post-war United Nations presence in Liberia has helped reduce the incidence of torture in detention, but has not made inroads on corruption and abuses connected with extortion. To strengthen respect for basic rights and the rule of law in Liberia, Human Rights Watch calls on the Liberian government to bolster police accountability mechanisms and fulfill its promise of establishing an independent oversight board for the police. In addition, the government and foreign donors should investigate persistent logistics shortfalls that contribute to police officers preying upon the public for material support. Finally, government officials in Liberia should emphasize accountability and good governance in the security sector as essential to the country's promised post-conflict development"--Page 4 of cover.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.