By Precious D. Freeman
The Liberia National Police (LNP) has launched a two-day Stress-Trauma Sensitive Approach (STA) training program in collaboration with medica Liberia in a significant initiative aimed at improving the mental health of its officers.
Under the leadership of the Inspector General Gregory Coleman, the training took place on yesterday at LNP headquarters, focusing on equipping officers with vital skills to manage the stress and trauma associated with their demanding roles.
The sessions drew participants from various units, including the Emergency Response Unit (ERU), Police Support Unit (PSU), and Patrol Unit. This initiative reflects Inspector General Coleman’s commitment to enhancing mental health support within the police force, a crucial component for maintaining effectiveness in high-pressure environments.
The head of the Women and Children Protection Section (WACPS), ACP Susie Telleh, expressed appreciation for the program on behalf of the officers.
“This is a very meaningful opportunity for LNP officers. These officers hear survivors’ stories daily, which can be overwhelming. Training like this helps them manage these situations with care while supporting their own mental well-being,” she said, emphasizing the need for more sessions to reach a larger audience.
The training focused on self-care strategies and trauma management techniques, aimed at fostering a healthy work-life balance, reducing burnout, and preventing compassion fatigue.
Interactive discussions allowed officers to share personal experiences and recognize early signs of burnout, such as exhaustion and frustration.
Officer Lawrence Vodee Carter from the ERU highlighted the training’s importance, stating, “This training is greatly appreciated. While we learn many things during our initial training, understanding how to handle sensitive cases is new for me. I feel more confident in applying the stress-trauma approach in my investigations.”
This program is part of a broader partnership between the LNP and medica Liberia, which aims to enhance police capacity in addressing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and other community issues.
Inspector General Coleman is setting a new standard for law enforcement in Liberia by prioritizing the mental health of officers.
medica Liberia’s role in facilitating this training underscores its commitment to supporting governmental efforts.
The organization, previously known as medica mondiale Liberia, focuses on survivors of gender-based violence, providing comprehensive health, legal, and psycho-social support based on feminist principles.
