Police in Kazakhstan learn about psychological profiling techniques at OSCE training seminar

An OSCE-supported three-day training seminar for police officers on psychological profiling techniques to be used when policing large-scale events concluded in Astana, Kazakhstan on 9 December 2016.

The seminar, co-organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana and the Interior Ministry with the extra-budgetary support of the Federal Foreign Office of Germany, was led by experts from the Association of Psychologists and Behavioural Therapists of Kazakhstan. The event is a follow-up to seminars on best practices in public assembly management, which were held in October and November this year in preparation for Expo 2017 and the Universiade 2017 Winter Games.

Some 30 mid-level officers of Astana internal police departments learned about psychological techniques for identifying potential criminals during mass events. Experts focused on psychological profiling, including identifying the elements of risk profiles, crowd mentality and psychological methods of influencing an aggressive crowd, lie detection techniques and drills to improve visual memory, concentration and attention. Experts also presented ways to use different risk indicators. The course was followed by a practical exercise.

The event is part of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana's activities to enhance security, increase accountability, and promote best practices in security at large-scale events.