OSCE Mission to Montenegro provides country’s police with specialized equipment

To support the Police Directorate and the police Forensic Centre in fighting against organized and transnational crime, the OSCE Mission to Montenegro donated specialized equipment and software to the country’s police on 6 September 2021 in Podgorica.

The Mission procured mobile equipment for the detection of weapons and explosives that will be used directly for crime scenes, a high-capacity digital evidence analysis workstation and a device for testing mobile phones, tablets and other small electronic devices. The equipment also includes software licenses to recover digital evidence from multiple sources, and audio-video recording equipment which will ensure that an accurate record of witness and suspect statements is obtained for use by investigators of the Special Police Department.

Siv-Katrine Leirtroe, Acting Head of the Mission, said that the donation is another proof of the Mission’s commitment to support the Police Directorate in its efforts to fight serious and organized crime, as well as cyber and cyber-enabled crimes. “Equipment to detect weapons and explosives, along with specialized training on its use, should increase the capacities of the police to combat misuse and trafficking in weapons and explosives and enhance public safety in Montenegro. This equipment is part of the Mission’s efforts to support implementing the Strategy for Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons,” said Leirtroe.

Zoran Brđanin, Director of the Police Directorate said that because of the close co-operation with the Mission, the Police Directorate has enhanced their capacities to fight organized crime. He remarked that the donation will strengthen the police capacities for more efficient work. “The OSCE Mission to Montenegro is a strong partner to the Police Directorate in the reform process. Your support in priority areas and our joint projects confirm the strategic partnership,” said Brđanin.

Leirtroe and Brđanin agreed to continue close co-operation and implementation of joint activities to help support the Police Directorate and the Forensic Centre reach its strategic objectives. Moreover, the Mission and Dragica Vučinić, the Mission’s National Security and Co-operation Officer, received plaques in recognition for their longstanding and successful co-operation and support to the police.

The donation is a continuation of the Mission’s efforts to enhance both technical and strategic capacities of the Police Directorate, aimed at preventing and combatting serious and organized crime, while ensuring the full respect of human rights.