OSCE Mission to Montenegro supports Police Directorate and its Forensic Centre in fight against serious and organized crime

The OSCE Mission to Montenegro continues to support of the Police Directorate in its fight against cyber and organised crime.  On 21 February,  Dominique Waag, Head of the Mission, and Zoran Brđanin, Police Director signed an agreement providing equipment and software which will enhance the investigative capacity of the Cybercrime/Intelligence Unit and the Forensic Centre to counter serious and organized crime.

“With this equipment, the Mission continues its strategic support of police reform in line with our latest recommendations for good governance in policing. Our co-operation includes professional development of police officers and ongoing training sessions on intelligence-led policing; designing an e-learning platform and supporting the development of the Police’s communication strategy. On countering human trafficking, we promote a victim-centred approach, including on sexual exploitation,” said Ambassador Waag.

She announced that this year the Mission will commission two public perception surveys to measure citizens’ confidence and trust in the work of the police, to be followed by qualitative in depth studies on specific police work, at the request of Director Brđanin. The Mission will also continue to support a public information campaign to encourage young people and women to seek a career in policing. Ambassador Waag praised the increased efforts made by the police against domestic violence.

Director Brđanin emphasised the importance of projects implemented with the support from the Mission. He said he expects that the Mission will continue to support projects focused on strengthening the fight against transnational and organized crime and corruption, as well as  through its indispensable support on projects that contribute to the reform and reorganization of the Police Directorate. Brđanin welcomed the Mission’s plan to support countering environmental crime.

The Mission will continue to support the Police Directorate in enhancing its effectiveness and development of a professional accountable and efficient service, trusted by society, within the framework of international and national legislation, standards and commitments.