OSCE Mission in Kosovo helps law enforcement agencies combat internal corruption

A graduation ceremony for 21 high-level officials from the police, customs, Police Inspectorate of Kosovo, Special Prosecutor’s office and judiciary who participated in a five-day OSCE-organized training course on combating corruption within law enforcement agencies was held on 25 November 2011 in Vushtrri/Vučitrn.

The course to effectively identify and investigate corruption was also used as an opportunity to improve relations between the agencies and share experiences and best practices.

“Corruption is a harmful and has a deep and detrimental effect on people, society and institutions and is a serious challenge for democratic development. Corruption is also frequently responsible for the limited results in combating organized crime,” said Carsten Twelmeier, the Director of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo’s Department for Security and Public Safety.

“The OSCE Mission, institutions and international organizations present in Kosovo have identified the fight against corruption as vital in combating organized crime. This training course is a step in enabling the law enforcement sector to institute anti-corruption safeguards and improve transparency and public accountability,” Twelmeier added.

The training also included a simulated investigation where participants dealt with aspects relating to a corruption enquiry such as the use of informants, cover methods, policy log maintenance and evidential issues. They also learned about reducing corruption through strategic prevention methods, such as vetting processes.

The OSCE Mission works on development and training of the police and other law enforcement agencies in Kosovo.