Ukrainian patrol police, anti-trafficking officers build skills and knowledge with OSCE support

An OSCE-supported series of re-training programmes for anti-trafficking and patrol police officers in Ukraine was launched on 13 September 2016 and will be implemented throughout the country. Some 200 anti-trafficking police officers passing the attestation process and over 3500 patrol police officers will participate in the 100-hour courses by the end of the year.

The intense two-week re-training programme is based on adherence to the rule of law and protection of human rights and includes specific subjects relevant to the functions of each police department.

“The key element of all re-training programmes is building a new strategic vision aimed at ensuring protection of human rights,” said Kostiantyn Bushuev, Deputy Head of the Ukrainian National Police.

“We hope this activity will result in better police performance not only from a statistical perspective, but from the point of view of ordinary people whose rights will be defended and restored,” said Vaidotas Verba, OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine.  

The curriculum for anti-trafficking police departments focuses on investigative techniques of human trafficking crimes, misuse of information technologies by criminals and the specifics of work with victims who find themselves in severe psychological distress. The curriculum for patrol police is built on a practical approach with the use of case-studies and simulation exercises covering most common situations which police officers confront with during their daily work.   

Both training programmes include aspects of community policing and focus on the importance of co-operation with both local communities and civil society organizations for the effective prevention and investigation of crimes.

The re-training programmes are part of a country-wide police reform in Ukraine, which is supported by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator.