OSCE-supported regional police training centre opens in eastern Kyrgyzstan

BISHKEK, 31 July 2008 - A regional Interior Ministry centre for training police officers in criminal investigation methods, supported by the OSCE Centre in Bishkek, opened today in Balykchy, Issyk Kul.

The new centre includes a crime laboratory and training facilities featuring modern crime scene kits, finger print kits, a metal detector and other specialized equipment used to investigate crime scenes.

"With this opening, the network of crime investigation centres supported by the OSCE Centre reaches the entire country as similar centres already exist in Bishkek and Osh," said Ambassador Andrew Tesoriere, head of the OSCE Centre.

Deputy Interior Minister Dmitry Fedorov added: "This Centre will help investigation bodies in the Issyk-Kul and Naryn provinces become more effective, and it will help ensure that human rights are observed."

The support for the regional training centre is part of the OSCE Centre's work to build the capacity of Kyrgyz criminal police and to ensure that police investigations are conducted in line with human rights commitments.

Also today, 20 police officers received certificates following a month-long intensive training course on document investigation hosted by the OSCE Centre. During the course, forensic experts from the whole country learned how to examine documents to determine origin and authenticity.