OSCE sponsored Police School to boost officers' skills

BAKU, 28 January 2004 - The Police Training School in Baku opened its doors today following a major renovation and refurbishment. The project, aimed at converting the facility into a functional modern training institution, was undertaken as part of the OSCE Police Assistance Programme for Azerbaijan.

"The completion of this facility heralds a new era for the Azerbaijani Police by enhancing its effectiveness, which in turn, will allow us to serve members of the public to the best of our ability," said Asker Alekperov, Deputy Head of the Azerbaijani Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The OSCE Police Assistance Programme for Azerbaijan is jointly designed by the Azerbaijani Government, the OSCE Strategic Police Matters Unit and the OSCE Office in Baku. The completion of the renovation signalled the end of the first phase of the OSCE Police Assistance Programme for Azerbaijan. The second phase will focus on the design and implementation of the new Training Curriculum, equipping the school with teaching and communication facilities and developping a community policing model.

Refurbishment and renovation included a new roof, replacement of the heating system, provision of two ablution containers for the sports area, together with complete renovation of two floors in the teaching block of the school.

"The police force is the key interface between the government and the society. Its effectiveness largely depends on proper education and willingness to produce and implement efficient and sustainable improvements in policing methods, " said Ambassador Burkhard, Head of the OSCE Office in Baku.

"This project symbolizes our joint commitment to the continuing drive towards enhanced professionalism and greater efficiency in policing in Azerbaijan. We hope that our further steps in this direction will contribute to strengthening of the national institutions responsible for the effective law enforcement and respect for the rule of law," added the ambassador.