OSCE Presence in Albania works together with Albanian Prosecution, State Police to improve co-operation between Judicial Police and Prosecutors

The OSCE Presence in Albania signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Prosecution Office of Tirana and the Albanian State Police, respectively, on 24 June 2019 in Tirana.

The MoUs are designed to ensure the implementation of a gap analysis of the co-operation, co-ordination of activities and exchange of information between the Judicial Police and Prosecutors in the process of criminal proceedings.

The gap analysis is a first step in addressing the relationship between two institutions that have a key role to play in the process of judicial response to crime in Albania: the Judicial Police and the Prosecution. It aims at identifying what the problems are with both formal procedures and informal practices at all stages of criminal proceedings. Its outcome will be the drafting of a baseline study and recommendations to help the two security bodies enhance their co-operation in effectively investigating criminal cases, particularly of corruption and organized crime.

The MoUs were signed by the Head of the OSCE Presence, Bernd Borchardt, and by Head of the Tirana Prosecution Office Elizabeta Imeraj and General Director of the Albanian State Police Ardi Veliu, respectively.

“Judicial response represents the essence of justice, but it is as effective as the proceedings that trigger it, and when it comes to criminal law, prosecution and judicial police co-operation are the pillars of success. It becomes therefore crucial to work with these institutions and support them in better reaching their highest potential, towards a consolidated criminal justice system in Albania,” said Borchardt.

The Presence is also expected to sign MoUs with five other Prosecution Offices, where the same gap analysis will be performed. Thus, the Presence will co-operate with the Prosecution Offices of Durrës, Elbasan, Shkodra, Vlora, Fier and their corresponding Regional Police Directorates. The Serious Crimes Prosecution Office, due to its prominent role, is another important partner in the implementation of this gap analysis.