Bridging the gap between policy and practice: the case of police reform and local ownership in Liberia

In the 21st century, local ownership has emerged as a proposed solution to foster active engagement of local actors in Security Sector Reform (SSR) following prolonged civil conflicts. However, empirical research often provides limited insight into the practical implementation of local ownership in SSR contexts. This study investigates whether local ownership in police reform constitutes the optimal approach for ensuring effective police development and stability. Using Liberia as a case study from 2006 to 2016, the author employs a qualitative methodology grounded in critical theory. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with fifty respondents from key SSR institutions in Liberia and analyzed using conceptual content analysis. Findings reveal that local ownership is indeed pivotal for successful police reform, particularly in post-conflict settings, as it enables sustained stability. Police reform efforts, while critical for post-conflict recovery, risk failure if local ownership is not prioritized as the reform’s foundation. Moreover, empowering local actors to assume control over the security sector, alongside economic alignment with reform objectives, is essential once foreign actors withdraw. The study contributes to policy discussions on SSR by underscoring the importance of embedding local ownership at the core of reform processes for long-term stability. This study explores the critical gap between policy and practice in police reform in Liberia, focusing on the challenges of achieving local ownership in security sector reform. Despite international efforts to rebuild post-conflict Liberia, aligning reforms with local communities’ unique needs and values remains a persistent issue. By examining the interplay between global initiatives and local realities, this research sheds light on the barriers to effective reform and the importance of community involvement in shaping sustainable security solutions. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and the general public, emphasizing the need for inclusive and context-sensitive approaches to governance and development in post-conflict societies. Understanding these dynamics is essential for Liberia and other nations seeking to rebuild after conflict and establish enduring peace.