A/HRC/12/42 page 10 biggest challenges in Liberian corrections facilities. Due to the weaknesses of the criminal justice system, the majority of detainees are in pretrial detention18 and often over prolonged periods. Overcrowding, coupled with serious shortages in correctional staff and other factors including poor management, poor logistics, absenteeism and dereliction of duties by the respective officers, has created an environment conducive to escapes. During the reporting period, more than 30 separate incidents of prison breakouts occurred throughout the country. Most serious was the riot and subsequent escape of 163 prisoners from Monrovia Central Prison (MCP) in December 2008, of whom 85 remain at large. Prior to the escape, MCP with a maximum operational capacity of 374 inmates, had 839 detainees on 26 November 2008, of whom 789 (94 per cent) were in pretrial detention. Other escapes involving scores of prisoners occurred in Zwedru Central Prison, Grand Gedeh County, where 40 pretrial detainees escaped on 17 April, and in MCP where another 32 detainees escaped on 16 May 2009. Although 39 of the 40 escapees from Zwedru Central Prison and 14 of the 32 escapees from MCP were recaptured with UNMIL support, escapes prevent justice from being delivered in accordance with the law and undermine public confidence in the judicial system and the fight against impunity. Victims of crimes are also at risk of finding themselves intimidated by suspects who have escaped from prison. 14. The Government is, however, increasingly focusing on the sector, and in this regard a draft Bureau of Corrections strategic plan was drawn up and is under review. In addition, the construction of two new correction facilities was completed and rehabilitation work at seven others was conducted. Of the 500 officers targeted for the Liberian corrections system, 209 officers including 25 women have been trained and deployed, with the recruitment of the remaining 291 awaiting additional funding. Furthermore, the Government has introduced a rotational magisterial court on the MCP premises to handle cases of prolonged pretrial detention and thus address difficulties in transporting inmates to the courts. Since 10 February 2009, magistrates from six magistrates’ courts within Montserrado County now sit at MCP to carry out preliminary hearings, refer cases to appropriate courts and/or hear cases falling under their jurisdiction. The Legal and Judicial Systems Support Division of UNMIL is currently reviewing the effectiveness of this court. 15. During the period under review, efforts towards reforming and strengthening the Liberian National Police (LNP) resulted in the formulation of a five-year LNP strategic plan. The plan sets out the framework for transforming the LNP into a viable, operationally effective police service. A corresponding support programme to facilitate the implementation of the plan is being developed by the Government with the support of UNMIL and other international partners. Infrastructure development is also under way. Three LNP depots were constructed with support from the United Nations Quick Impact Project (QIP), while a six-room office for the Women and Children Protection Section (WCPS) was constructed at the LNP offices in Tubmanburg, Bomi County, with support from the Norwegian Government. The validation exercise of the deployment status of all police officers was completed, with 3,675 verified at their posts. Efforts 18 According to data collected by the UNMIL Corrections Advisory Unit, in April 2009, there were 1,226 pretrial detainees out of a nationwide prison population of 1,377.