Serbian cadets graduate from new police training centre with OSCE Mission's support

BELGRADE, 5 December 2008 - The first 129 cadets graduated from the newly established Basic Police Training Centre in Sremska Kamenica today. 

The OSCE Mission to Serbia supported the efforts of the Interior Ministry aimed at transforming the former Police High School into a modern centre meeting the highest standards in police training.

"The OSCE Mission to Serbia has been supporting the reform of basic police training from the very beginning, and today's graduation ceremony is an important milestone for the entire Serbian police service," said Ambassador Hans Ola Urstad, the Head of the OSCE Mission.

"However, this is by no means a completed process; it is just the beginning of a long-term transformation that will, above all, require the strong commitment of the Interior Ministry to maintain this strategic direction. We will continue supporting our Serbian partners."

The Norwegian Government donated 700,000 EUR to help reconstruct the training centre and accommodation. This was followed by substantial infrastructure investments from the Serbian Government's National Investment Plan. The OSCE Mission provided expertise in the areas of curriculum development, organizational reform and strengthening of staff capacities.

"The new concept of basic police training provides quality education for future police officers designed to meet the needs of our society. The Ministry of Interior has invested a great deal in having efficient and cost effective basic police training that will define the future police culture in Serbia," said Interior Minister Ivica Dacic.

The graduates will now take part in additional six-month field training courses within their respective regional police districts. The next 120 cadets are expected to begin training in January 2009.