OSCE trains Kazakhstan’s Border Service in profiling techniques
ALMATY, Kazakhstan, 23 May 2016 – The first in a series of OSCE-supported training seminars on profiling techniques at the border checkpoints to help counter transnational crime began today in Almaty.
Some 20 officers representing the Border Service of the National Security Committee are taking part in the five-day event, which is co-organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, the US Embassy in Kazakhstan and the Central Asian Regional Information Coordination Center for Combating the Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and their Precursors (CARICC).
Experts from the Association of Psychologists and Behavioral Therapists of Kazakhstan and CARICC will present an overview of the security situation in Central Asia with regards to the illicit trafficking of drugs and on psychological techniques to help identify potential criminals during the border crossing verification process.
“Border Guards must use all tools at their disposal to counter threats posed by transnational organized crime and terrorist groups,” said Mirco Guenther, Deputy Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana. “Using best practices in profiling techniques and understanding risk indicators will help make borders more secure and the work of Border Guards more efficient.”
Director of CARICC, Major General Beishenbai Zhunusov said in his opening remarks: "The use of profiling by the Border Guard Service is one of the relatively new, but very efficient ways to counter not only transnational organized crime, but also terrorism related activities. CARICC is ready to support these activities and initiatives of the OSCE and INL in the future within the framework of information-analytical work and co-ordination of international operations aimed at curbing illegal activities of international drug crime organizations".
Among the focus of the seminar’s sessions are psychological profiling, identifying the elements of risk profiles and understanding the consistency between the type of vehicle, belongings and the purpose of the trip. Experts will also present ways to use different risk indicators depending on the scope of work at specific border crossing points. A practical exercise will be conducted at Almaty International Airport.
The seminar is part of the Office’s long-term efforts at enhancing the host country’s border security and management. Follow-up events are scheduled to take place in Astana, Karasu, Kazygurt and Petropavlovsk.