Abstract
Defensive tactics and self-defense are critical components of law enforcement and the broader criminal justice system. In Liberia, these concepts have gained increased relevance as the nation continues to reform its security and justice sectors following years of civil conflict.
This paper evaluates the role and impact of defensive tactics and self-defense in strengthening the Liberian criminal justice system. It discusses their importance in officer safety, professional policing, human rights compliance, and public trust. The paper further analyzes the legal and ethical implications of self-defense and defensive tactics, examines current challenges, and provides recommendations for policy and training improvements.
Introduction
The criminal justice system of Liberia has undergone significant transformation since the end of the civil war in 2003. With the assistance of international partners such as the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the government has worked to rebuild its law enforcement institutions and re-establish the rule of law. A central aspect of this reform process involves enhancing police professionalism and operational efficiency through defensive tactics and self-defense training.
Defensive tactics refer to the controlled physical techniques used by law enforcement officers to protect themselves and others while performing their duties. Self-defense, on the other hand, is the lawful act of using reasonable force to prevent harm to oneself or others. Both concepts are integral to law enforcement effectiveness, officer survival, and public confidence in the justice system.
The Legal and Ethical Dimensions of Self-Defense
Self-defense and defensive tactics are both legal rights and operational necessities within Liberia’s law enforcement framework. The Liberian Penal Code, Section 5.6, explicitly grants every person the right to use reasonable force to defend against unlawful aggression. For law enforcement officers, this legal safeguard extends to their duties, allowing them to apply measured force to neutralize threats, protect themselves, and safeguard the public.
However, this right is not absolute—it is guided by the principle of proportionality. The force used must correspond to the nature and severity of the threat. When officers exceed this threshold, the act can transform from lawful defense to unlawful aggression, attracting both criminal and administrative consequences.
In the Liberian setting, self-defense is especially relevant due to the high-risk nature of policing in environments marked by limited resources, community mistrust, and high crime rates. The ethical application of defensive tactics thus becomes not only a matter of personal survival but
also an instrument for maintaining professionalism, public confidence, and the legitimacy of state authority.
Practical Instances of Defensive Tactics and Self-Defense
Although Liberia does not publicly document every law enforcement encounter, numerous operational and real-life situations have demonstrated the use and value of defensive tactics and self-defense among officers in maintaining law and order.
Case One: Officer’s Defensive Maneuver During Armed Robbery Intervention (Monrovia, 2019)
In 2019, a patrol team from the Zone 3 Depot of the Liberia National Police (LNP) responded to a reported armed robbery along the Somalia Drive corridor. Upon arrival, one of the suspects brandished a locally made pistol toward an approaching officer. The officer used a lateral sidestep and disarming technique—a fundamental defensive tactic—to redirect the weapon’s aim and neutralize the threat without discharging his firearm. The suspect was subdued and arrested with minor injuries.
This instance demonstrated not only the officer’s tactical discipline but also the value of controlled response under stress, highlighting how defensive training can preserve both officer and suspect lives.
Case Two: Domestic Violence Response and Officer Safety (Paynesville, 2021)
In Paynesville, officers responding to a domestic violence complaint encountered a male suspect aggressively advancing with a kitchen knife. Rather than resorting to lethal force, the officers used defensive positioning, verbal commands, and a baton block to deflect the knife attack before successfully restraining the suspect.
This scenario illustrated how self-defense principles—combining de-escalation and controlled physical intervention—can effectively manage dangerous confrontations while ensuring legal proportionality and community confidence.
Three: Crowd Control and Non-Lethal Defensive Tactics During Protest (Capitol Hill, 2022)
During a 2022 protest organized by student groups near the University of Liberia, tensions escalated when some demonstrators attempted to breach a police barricade. Trained members of the Emergency Response Unit (ERU) applied defensive crowd-control formations, shield techniques, and controlled pushes to maintain order.
These non-lethal defensive tactics prevented injuries and property damage while upholding
citizens’ right to peaceful assembly. This approach reflected modern policing principles consistent with the United Nations Basic Principles on the Use of Force (1990).
Types of Force Used in Defensive Tactics and Self-Defense
In the context of law enforcement, force refers to any physical effort or action used by officers to gain control of a situation, protect themselves, or defend others from harm. In Liberia’s criminal justice system, as in most democratic societies, the use of force is guided by the principles of necessity, proportionality, and reasonableness—meaning officers must apply only the level of force required to safely and effectively resolve a situation.
- Verbal and Psychological Force (Command Presence)
This is the lowest level of force, emphasizing communication, persuasion, and officer presence. Officers use verbal commands, negotiation, and de-escalation techniques to gain voluntary compliance from suspects. The psychological impact of a firm, confident, and professional demeanor often diffuses tension without physical confrontation.
Example: An officer calmly instructing a disorderly suspect to step back, using tone and authority to establish control.
- Physical (Empty-Hand) Control Techniques
This level involves hands-on defensive tactics without the use of weapons. It includes techniques such as joint locks, wrist grabs, take-downs, pressure points, and body positioning to control resistant subjects.
Soft Empty-Hand Control: Minimal physical force (e.g., guiding a suspect’s hands behind their back).
Hard Empty-Hand Control: More intense techniques (e.g., strikes or knee blocks) used against actively aggressive subjects.
In Liberia, officers trained at the Liberia National Police Training Academy are introduced to these control measures as part of officer survival and restraint management.
- Intermediate (Less-Lethal) Force
This level of force involves non-lethal tools or equipment that can temporarily incapacitate a suspect without causing permanent injury. It bridges the gap between physical control and lethal force.
Common examples include:
Batons or PR-24s: Used for defensive strikes or to block attacks.
Pepper Spray (OC Spray): Causes temporary blindness and discomfort, allowing safe arrest.
Tasers or Stun Devices: Deliver electrical impulses to disrupt muscle control.
Tear Gas and Rubber Bullets (for crowd control): Used in riot or protest situations under strict supervision..
These tools, when used properly, enhance officer safety and minimize injury risks to both officers and suspects.
- Impact and Mechanical Force
This category involves the use of mechanical restraints or impact tools to subdue resistant individuals.
Handcuffs and Leg Shackles: Used to restrict movement and prevent further aggression.
Shields and Helmets: Employed during crowd control to block projectiles and maintain formation.
While these are defensive rather than offensive tools, improper or excessive use can lead to allegations of human rights violations—hence the need for continuous supervision and ethical training.
- Deadly or Lethal Force
Lethal force represents the highest and most restrictive level of force, authorized only when there is an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm to the officer or others. It typically involves the use of firearms.
Liberian law and international standards require that:
Lethal force be a last resort after all other means have failed or appear ineffective.
Each incident undergo post-incident review by appropriate oversight bodies (e.g., Professional Standards Division of the LNP).
The Liberian Penal Law (1978, §5.6) and United Nations Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms (1990) both affirm that officers are justified in using deadly force only when necessary to protect life.
Conceptual Framework
The application of defensive tactics and self-defense in policing is grounded in both legal and ethical principles. From a legal standpoint, the Liberian Penal Code (1978) recognizes the right to self-defense under Section 5.6, which allows individuals to use reasonable force to repel unlawful aggression. This legal foundation extends to law enforcement officers who, while enforcing the law, are often placed in situations requiring quick, balanced, and lawful responses to aggression.
Theoretically, defensive tactics fall under the use-of-force continuum, which guides officers in selecting appropriate levels of force based on the threat level. This continuum emphasizes proportionality, necessity, and reasonableness, ensuring that officers act within the confines of human rights and criminal justice ethics.
The Importance of Defensive Tactics and Self-Defense in Law Enforcement
Officer Safety and Survival
In the performance of duty, Liberian law enforcement officers frequently encounter unpredictable and potentially violent situations. Proper training in defensive tactics and self-defense equips officers with the ability to protect themselves without resorting to excessive or lethal force. Techniques such as hand control, restraint maneuvers, weapon retention, and situational awareness significantly reduce officer injuries and fatalities.
Human Rights and Professional Policing
The application of defensive tactics reinforces professional policing by promoting the use of minimum necessary force. This is critical in a post-conflict society like Liberia, where citizens are still healing from a legacy of police brutality and mistrust. By emphasizing control, restraint, and accountability, defensive tactics training ensures compliance with international human rights standards such as the United Nations Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials (1979) and the Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms (1990).
Enhancing Public Trust
When law enforcement officers demonstrate discipline and control through appropriate use of defensive tactics, the public perceives them as protectors rather than aggressors. This helps rebuild community-police relations—an essential element of a functional justice system. Citizens are more willing to cooperate with the police when they believe officers act lawfully and responsibly during enforcement operations.
The Legal and Ethical Dimensions of Self-Defense in Liberia
Self-defense within the Liberian criminal justice context is both a legal right and a moral responsibility. While citizens have the right to defend themselves, law enforcement officers have a duty to balance this right with restraint and adherence to procedural justice.
The law provides that the use of force must be reasonable and proportionate to the threat faced. Excessive use of force may lead to criminal liability, disciplinary action, or civil lawsuits. Therefore, understanding the boundary between defense and aggression is critical for officers’ decision-making in the field.
From an ethical perspective, self-defense must be guided by the principle of necessity—that is, force should only be applied when no other safe and practical options exist. In Liberia, continuous training on these ethical considerations is vital for strengthening professionalism and integrity within the Liberia National Police (LNP) and other security agencies.
Challenges Affecting Defensive Tactics and Self-Defense Practices in Liberia
Inadequate Training and Resources
One of the major challenges facing the Liberian criminal justice system is limited access to modern training facilities and equipment. Many police academies and training centers lack sufficient tools such as simulation gear, batons, protective pads, and training weapons necessary for realistic scenario-based instruction.
Cultural Perceptions and Misinterpretations
In some communities, police use of physical restraint or defensive maneuvers is often misunderstood as aggression or brutality. This perception gap contributes to resistance and hostility toward law enforcement.
Legal and Institutional Gaps
Although the law recognizes self-defense, there is limited clarity and guidance on the extent of force permissible for law enforcement officers in various operational contexts. This legal ambiguity can result in inconsistent enforcement and judicial interpretation.
Lack of Post-Incident Review Mechanisms
In many cases, there are no effective internal or external oversight mechanisms to review use-of-force incidents. This weakens accountability and public confidence in law enforcement operations.
The Role of Training Institutions and International Support
The Liberia National Police Training Academy and partner institutions, including international police academies in Nigeria, Ghana, and the United States, have played a vital role in promoting defensive tactics education. Through these partnerships, Liberian officers have gained exposure to global policing standards and ethical frameworks.
Organizations such as UNPOL, ECOWAS, and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) have also contributed to capacity-building programs that integrate human rights principles with defensive tactics. These initiatives enhance officer competency and foster a culture of accountability within Liberia’s criminal justice system.
Policy Recommendations
- Institutionalize Defensive Tactics Curriculum: Defensive tactics should be a mandatory component in all levels of police training—basic, intermediate, and advanced—within the Liberia National Police and other security agencies.
- Regular In-Service Training: Officers should undergo periodic refresher courses on self-defense and de-escalation to adapt to evolving threats and legal standards.
- Legal Reforms: The Liberian legislature should provide clear statutory guidelines on use-of-force thresholds, particularly for law enforcement operations.
- Community Sensitization: Public education campaigns can help citizens understand the distinction between lawful defensive tactics and excessive force, fostering trust and cooperation.
- Oversight and Accountability: Establishing independent oversight bodies to investigate incidents involving force would strengthen transparency and public trust.
Conclusion
Defensive tactics and self-defense are indispensable tools in the advancement of Liberia’s criminal justice system. They safeguard officers, protect citizens, and promote lawful enforcement. When properly applied, these techniques enhance professionalism, respect for human rights, and institutional credibility.
However, for these benefits to be fully realized, Liberia must invest in training infrastructure, legislative reforms, and community engagement. Strengthening the ethical and legal framework surrounding the use of defensive tactics will not only protect officers but also ensure justice, peace, and public confidence in the nation’s criminal justice institutions.
About the Author
Professional Profile Summary
Tarpeh L. U-sayee, Jr. is a seasoned Liberian law enforcement professional, criminal justice professor, and police training expert with a solid foundation in international relations, theology, and public service. With over a decade of experience in both law enforcement and criminal justice education, he currently serves as a trainer of the Executive Protection Service (EPS), the Liberia National Police Training Academy and lectures at various private universities in Liberia.
He holds a master’s degree in foreign service leadership (International Relations), a Master of Divinity, dual bachelor’s Degrees in Sociology and Criminal Justice, and an associate degree in management. He is also a prospective doctoral graduate in Church Growth and Ministry.
Mr. U-sayee is a graduate of the Liberia Police Academy, the Louisiana State Police Academy (USA), and the Lagos State Police Academy (Nigeria). As an Apostle and spiritual leader, he brings a unique combination of ethical leadership, academic excellence, and practical field experience. His lifelong mission is centered on peacebuilding, unity, and the advancement of the rule of law in Liberia.
References
Government of Liberia. The Penal Law of Liberia, Title 26, Liberian Code of Laws Revised (1978).
United Nations. Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials (1979).
United Nations. Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials (1990).
UNMIL (2018). Security Sector Reform in Liberia: Lessons Learned and the Way Forward.
ECOWAS Commission (2021). Regional Security and Justice Reforms in West Africa.
ICRC (2020). Human Rights and Law Enforcement: Guidelines for Professional Policing.
Walker, S., & Katz, C. M. (2018). The Police in America: An Introduction. McGraw-Hill Education
