By: G. Bennie Bravo Johnson, I.
Women are set to make up 42 percent of the graduating cohort of Class 47 of the Liberia National Police (LNP), marking a significant stride in gender representation within the country’s security sector. Out of seventy-nine (79) recruits who have completed academy training, thirty-three (33) are women, while forty-six (46) are men, reflecting a growing commitment to inclusivity in national law enforcement.
According to an official update from the Office of the Deputy Inspector General for Manpower Development and Training, headed by Hon. Sadatu Reeves, Class 47 began training on November 22, 2025, with eighty-one (81) recruits. The class now stands at seventy-nine (79) following the dismissal of two recruits for academic fraud and indiscipline, in line with the Academy’s zero-tolerance policy on misconduct.
Despite the attrition, the female contingent has remained strong, maintaining its 42 percent share of the class composition. The LNP has announced that Class 47 has completed all academy requirements and transitioned into the Field Training Program, which runs from February 23 to May 15, 2026. Graduation is scheduled for May 29, 2026. Upon completion, the thirty-three women will officially join the ranks of the national police, reinforcing efforts to enhance female participation in frontline policing and community engagement.
Notably, Class 47 has achieved a historic milestone as the first post-war LNP class to complete full firearms qualification during basic recruit training, with performance results exceeding expectations. The accomplishment applies equally to both male and female recruits, underscoring the preparedness and competence of the entire class.
In addition, all members of Class 47 are college graduates drawn from diverse academic backgrounds, including Criminal Justice, Nursing, Public Administration, and Public Health. During the ongoing field training phase, recruits are also undergoing structured motorcycle and vehicle driving instruction to strengthen operational readiness and mobility.
The Liberia National Police has reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, integrity, and discipline, commending the members of Class 47 particularly the 33 women poised to graduate for their dedication to service and their role in advancing gender balance within the security sector of the Republic of Liberia.
