LocationsA path to safety, peace, and development
Transforming police in crisis
September 6, 2024
In times of crisis the Municipal Police is on the frontlines responding to the needs in Baalbeck, Lebanon.
Photo: UNDP Lebanon
When danger strikes, people often turn to the police. But in many parts of the world, that’s not an option, either due to mistrust, abusive practices, or simply because the police are out of reach. In crisis-affected regions, effective and accountable policing is critical for individuals and communities to feel safe.
The International Day of Police Cooperation highlights the importance of working together for public safety, crime prevention and human rights. Through its community security work in over 40 crisis-affected areas, UNDP has shown that transforming police to focus on people’s needs makes the biggest impact.
In Gambisara, The Gambia, community policing, supported by UNDP, has made a real difference. "Not a day went by without theft, rape, or domestic violence before the initiative," said Ali Bongo, a leader of the community policing volunteers. Now, crime is down, and life is safer.”
Across all regions, especially in crisis- or conflict-affected settings, it is essential for police to operate in partnership with communities and build trust. Achieving this requires integrity, transparency and accountability within law enforcement. People need to trust that police officers will be held responsible for excessive force or human rights violations, and that requires strong oversight.
In countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Lebanon, Nigeria, and Venezuela, UNDP is helping governments build digital platforms, design codes of conduct and policies that are a must to ensure police accountability. In DRC, a new provincial oversight department is responsible for control and internal investigations, while in Lebanon, over 390 municipalities are part of a reform that promotes community policing, oversight and accountability.
Police officers at Basmaya Police Station’s open day, Baghdad, Iraq.
Photo: UNDP Iraq
In Iraq, model police stations offer “one-stop shop” services that are accessible and people-centred. In these locations, UNDP-commissioned surveys revealed that these innovations have boosted public trust and doubled crime reporting, including cases of violence against women and children. UNDP has trained 2,290 police trainers, including 120 female trainers, to foster effective policing and community engagement. The trainings cascaded engaging over 6,000 officers across the country.
Digitalization when smart and human rights-based, can also improve the delivery of police services, optimize resources and combat impunity. UNDP supported the digitalization of police departments in DRC, The Gambia, Grenada, Honduras, Nigeria, Pakistan and beyond.
In Honduras, UNDP supported a new digital platform to analyze risk factors and indicators of v*iolence and insecurity across 298 municipalities. In Grenada, UNDP and the US Agency for International Development (USAID) championed the Police Force Goes High Tech initiative. A new information system is helping police shift from paper-based to digital reporting, improving crime monitoring and data management.
Partnerships and an integrated approach are essential for the success of police reforms. Together with the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations, UNDP co-chairs the UN Global Focal Point for the Rule of Law (GFP). The GFP provides expertise and catalytic-funding and reinforces a One-UN approach to reduce violence, protect human rights, restore justice and security for people affected by crisis and conflict.
Through the GFP, UNDP is driving reforms in DRC, Haiti, Mali, Somalia and South Sudan. In Haiti, where armed gangs control 80 percent of the capital, Port-au-Prince, UNDP supports the Haitian National Police (HNP) in partnership with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime and the UN Integrated Office in Haiti. This initiative enhances citizen security, aims to expand police presence and strengthen its capacity to control armed gangs, as well as to improve border control.
People-centered policing brings real change, even in the toughest situations. When accountable and professional police represent communities they serve, they can build trust, improve safety, and pave the way for sustainable peace and development.
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