OSCE trains Montenegrin airport border and customs officers on behavioural analysis and identification of foreign terrorist fighters and criminals at airports

A national training course on behavioural analysis and identification of foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs) and criminals at airports for 24 border and customs officers from Montenegro’s Podgorica and Tivat airports, the Civil Aviation Agency and the Intelligence Agency of Montenegro was held from 11 to 14 December 2018 in Podgorica.

Organized by the Border Security and Management Unit of the OSCE Transnational Threats Department, in co-operation with the OSCE Mission in Montenegro, the interactive course was conducted with the support of the Israeli National Police and the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation experts focused on profiling, controlled cognitive engagement, detecting deception and vulnerability assessments for better and easier detection of FTFs and other potential criminals at airports. Participants were engaged in practical exercises, using video materials and applying different interviewing techniques.

“Although we are living in an era of new and innovative technologies we should never forget the importance of the human factor in the prevention and investigation of criminal and terrorist acts,” said Head of OSCE Mission in Montenegro Maryse Daviet. “This training is designed to further enhance personal capacities of border officers in profiling and interviewing passengers and identifying potential criminals at the borders.”

This activity is part of the OSCE Transnational Threats Department’s project on airport security in Montenegro launched in co-operation with the OSCE Mission in Montenegro in 2017. This project aims to develop and implement the Border Community Security Programme of Montenegro, designed to improve information exchange and co-operation between law enforcement and private sector personnel. The aim of the project is to reduce the risk of criminal and terrorist acts, particularly those related to the cross-border movement of FTFs through Montenegro’s airports.