1. The serious prison overcrowding must be addressed as one of the highest priorities of the Liberian Government.
   
   
2. Non-violent crimes, minor felony crimes and economic disputes can and should be declared non-custodial during pretrial stages, absent a showing by the prosecution before a judicial body of community danger or risk of flight from the jurisdiction.
   
   
3. Individuals currently in pretrial incarceration for non-violent crimes, minor felony crimes and economic disputes should be released immediately without bail, absent a showing by the prosecution before a judicial body of community danger or risk of flight from the jurisdiction.
   
   
4. Economic disputes should be restricted to civil jurisdictions.
   
   
5. For violent and serious felony cases, pretrial hearings can and should be conducted at the Prison site as the most efficient and cost effective way to determine the accuracy and legitimacy of charges filed against each detainee.
   
   
6. For each detainee case a determination should be made by a judicial officer as to whether further incarceration is warranted in light of the nature of the charges and the time served in pretrial detention.
   
   
7. The Liberian Constitutional and Criminal Procedural provisions requiring release of any pretrial detainee held over two court terms should be respected.
   
   
8. Prison conditions are below international and domestic standards in spite of the efforts made by the prison guards and staff. Overcrowding at the Monrovia Central Prison is particularly acute but much of this can be addressed by the recommendations outlined above.
   
   
9. Regular inspections and recommendations by the International Red Cross and its affiliates should be encouraged and respected.
   
   
10. Prison guards and staff demonstrate commitment to their profession and the needs of the incarcerated. However, they deserve and need more institutional support. For example, need uniforms or some standardized dress to promote respect among themselves and the incarcerated persons and to distinguish them from incarcerated persons at all times, especially during emergencies.

To return to the previous section of this article: 6. Harper Prison: Case Studies.

Return to the first section of this article.

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