In response to requests from participating States, the SPMU sends policing experts and practitioners to evaluate the needs for technical assistance, the implications and consequences of such programmes and the need for follow-on planning.

These experts collaborate with their professional counterparts from the host State's ministries, law enforcement agencies, civil society and academia, in order to prepare detailed, credible assistance proposals. All SPMU projects and programmes have clearly identifiable objectives, as well as specific benchmarks against which progress is measured.

Where possible, assistance is sought from International Police Academies. SPMU activities relating to individual and organizational integrity-building draw on the expertise of the Council of Europe, as well as relevant non-governmental organizations (NGOs). In some instances, the SPMU will act as the implementation partner, providing the overall strategic input to project and programme-planning.