OSCE-supported re-training programme for certified Ukrainian cyber police officers launched in Kharkiv

KHARKIV, Ukraine, 3 October 2016 - An OSCE-supported re-training programme for cyber police officers in Ukraine was launched today at the Kharkiv National University of Internal Affairs.

This 100- hour training course, developed and implemented by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine, is an opportunity to enhance skills and knowledge of 180 officers who have already passed the attestation process. 

The curriculum focuses on investigative techniques of cybercrimes, proper securing of digital evidence, cybersecurity and misuse of payment instruments by criminals. The training programme also includes aspects of community policing and focus on the importance of co-operation with the private sector, internet providers as well as civil society organizations for the effective prevention and investigation of cybercrimes.

“The main task of cyber police officers is to assist Ukrainian citizens, victims as well as law enforcement institutions in Ukraine and abroad in real-time to reveal, block and investigate cybercrimes,” said Vitalii Chubaevskyi, Deputy Head of the Ukraine’s Cyber police Department.

Vaidotas Verba, OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine, said:  “We hope these efforts will help develop the capacity of cyber police for more effective prevention and investigation of crimes, and that it will lead to the enhancement of security for the citizens, as well as the protection of their human rights.”

The re-training programme is a part of a country-wide police reform in Ukraine, which is supported by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator. The project “Building Capacity of Cyber Police” is implemented with the financial support from the UK government and facilitated through the National Crime Agency (NCA).

The Co-ordinator earlier this year provided full-scale 760-hour long training to 84 newly recruited special agents and inspectors within the cyber police.