OSCE-supported training for Kyrgyz custom canine officers ends in Bishkek

An OSCE-supported specialized training course for nine Canine Service officers and mangers completed on 30 April 2014 at Kyrgyz Customs Training Centre in Leninskoe village near Bishkek.

The 60-hour course was developed and organised by the OSCE Customs Project upon the request of the Kyrgyz Custom Training Centre’s Head. The course included lectures and practical exercises in such areas as canine detection, construction of training aids, management, problem solving during field training, as well as matters related to narcotic aids, vehicle concealment and border search procedures.

“Training courses supported by the OSCE play crucial role in shaping a sustainable system of effective canine service operations in Kyrgyz State Customs Service,” said Saltanat Alibekova who is in charge of projects on capacity building of customs officers from Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan at OSCE Centre in Bishkek.

“This course offered Kyrgyz officers a chance not only to learn from professional instructors but also use the acquired knowledge in practice,” she added. “Courses like this one contribute to further development and improvement of the canine programme in the State Customs Service of the Kyrgyz Republic.”

The OSCE Centre in Bishkek supported the Kyrgyz customs in establishment of the new Training Centre facilities in Leninskoe village in November 2013 as part of its efforts in building the capacity of Kyrgyz and Afghan custom services.