Regional Meeting Highlights the Critical Role of Crime Scene Investigation in Firearms-Related Cases

Crime scene investigation officers from across the region gathered in Pržno, Montenegro, on 21–22 April 2026 for a regional meeting focused on strengthening forensic practice and advancing cooperation in response to firearms-related crime. The meeting provided a platform for experts and practitioners to examine operational challenges and discuss practical ways to improve the collection, handling, and use of forensic evidence in criminal investigations.  

The meeting placed particular emphasis on the value of crime scene investigation in building prosecutable cases. Discussions focused on the importance of standardized procedures, the recovery and preservation of ballistic evidence, and the role of forensic work in supporting investigations, reconstructions, and prosecution efforts. Participants also explored how stronger procedural consistency and closer cooperation can improve the evidentiary chain from the scene of the incident to the courtroom.  

Participants shared insights from their respective jurisdictions, including approaches to organizing CSI services, applying standard operating procedures, and addressing practical challenges faced by investigators and forensic teams in the field. The meeting also addressed key technical aspects of forensic response, including shooting-scene processing, ballistic evidence recovery, and ammunition tracing. These topics were further explored through a practical group exercise, which underscored the importance of standardized procedures, the proper recovery and preservation of ballistic evidence, and the role of forensic work in supporting investigations, reconstructions, and prosecution efforts. 

The meeting  underscored the importance of precision, documentation, and coordination in linking physical evidence to broader investigative leads. By bringing together operational and technical perspectives, the event contributed to a stronger shared understanding of how forensic practice can support more effective responses to the misuse of firearms.  

These activities were made possible with the financial support of the European Union as part of the second phase of the regional project 'Support for Enhancing the Fight Against the Illegal Possession, Misuse, and Trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) in the Western Balkans', funded by the European Commission, Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations, through the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA II), and the Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/2587 in support of SEESAC for the implementation of the Regional Roadmap on combating illicit arms trafficking in the Western Balkans and in support of disarmament and arms control activities in South-East and East Europe.