This study analyzes an experimental intervention in post-conflict Liberia: the Confidence Patrols program by the Liberian National Police (LNP).
Implemented across three counties over 14 months, the program deployed newly trained police teams to rural areas on recurring patrols. The evaluation assesses multiple outcomes:
Key Outcomes:
* Increased citizens' knowledge of LNP and Liberian law.
* Improved property rights security.
* Reduced crime rates for simple assault and domestic violence.
Trust Findings:
Contrary to expectations, the program did NOT enhance trust in the police or government institutions. However:
* Crime reporting increased significantly (≈30%) among those disadvantaged under customary dispute resolution systems.
Implications: This research provides crucial insights for post-conflict policing strategies and rule of law restoration efforts globally.
| Establishing the Rule of Law in Weak and War-torn States: Evidence from a Field Experiment With the Liberian National Police was authored by Robert A. Blair, Sabrina M. Karim and Benjamin S. Morse. It was published by Cambridge in APSR in 2019. |
