OSCE Office organizes training course for law enforcement officials on interviewing techniques

BAKU, 16 May 2011 – The OSCE Office in Baku launched a week-long training course for investigators from the police and General Prosecutor’s Office on investigative interviewing techniques today.

The course takes place at the Science and Training Centre of the General Prosecutor’s Office. The purpose of the course is to improve the treatment of suspects and respect for their rights while in custody by enhancing the skills and professionalism of investigators.

“This important training activity for improving the rights of detained persons is part of the detention monitoring programme of the OSCE Office in Baku,” said Monica Martinez, the Head of the Office’s Rule of Law Programme. “The Office also supports ongoing legislative reform and has contributed significantly to a draft law on the rights of suspects and the accused, which we hope the Parliament will adopt before the summer recess.”

An international expert from the UK together with local experts from the Interior Ministry and the General Prosecutor’s Office will deliver lectures and organize practical exercises focussing on conducting interviews of suspects, with a focus on vulnerable groups’ special requirements.

This training course is the first in a series of training activities the OSCE Office in Baku is supporting in 2011 and 2012.