Using forensic evidence to better fight crime theme of regional police conference held by OSCE Mission to Montenegro

Improving cross-border police co-operation and fighting crime more effectively by using forensic evidence, was the focus of a regional conference organized by the OSCE Mission in co-operation with the Interior Ministry at the Danilovgrad Forensic Centre, Montenegro, from 1 to 2 November.

Experts from the Warsaw-based European Network of Forensic Science Institutions discussed with representatives of 24 regional police authorities how to become parts of the Network, as well as work in criminal forensics area. Participants represented the Interior Ministries of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia, Greece, Moldova and Turkey.   

“Crime does not stop at national borders. Forensic evidence compiled in one country will need to be used in criminal proceedings in another, and this is becoming increasingly common in criminal justice,” said the Acting Head of the OSCE Mission, Waldemar Figaj. “However, international co-operation will be effective only if forensic investigation and information meet the highest quality requirements and are shared in a competent and effective manner.”

He added that the Mission helped develop Montenegro’s Forensic Centre in 2005 and is committed to continue its support to the Centre.