OSCE Centre helps to strengthen police-community co-operation on public safety

TYUP, Kyrgyzstan, 17 September 2009 - More than 200 participants discussed public safety and how to work together on crime prevention during a seminar on police-community co-operation organized today by the non-governmental organization "Leader" and the OSCE Centre in Bishkek in the Kyrgyz province of Issyk-Kul.

Participants were local police officers and community activists, including members of Public Prevention Centres (PPC) and representatives of local authorities. The themes of public safety and effective ways to co-operate on crime prevention were chosen after a needs assessment among PPC carried out in the province of Issyk-Kul by the NGO "Leader" within the framework of a joint project with the OSCE Centre in Bishkek.

Evgeny Cherenkov, OSCE Centre's Police Reform Adviser, said: "Open dialogue on issues of police-community co-operation fosters community engagement in crime prevention, in identifying and maintaining effective civilian control over activities of law-enforcement agencies."

"These activities underscore Kyrgyz Interior Minister Moldomusa Kongantiev's aim to make 2009 a year of social partnership and strengthening of ties between the police and civil society," said Shamshybek Mamyrov, Head of Scientific-Research Department at the Interior Ministry.

This seminar is the first in a series which will take place in Karakol, Balykchi, Ak-Suu, Tong and Issyk-kul municipal districts of Issyk-Kul province on 18 September, 7 and 9 October, and 11 and 12 November.

During these interactive seminars, participants acquire new skills and knowledge on the interaction between the police and community. They brainstorm on effective problem-solving and partnership schemes. In addition, the best Public Prevention Centres will be awarded books and computers for their contribution in fostering police-community partnerships.