From Data to Intelligence: Law Enforcement Representatives from the Western Balkans Enhance Investigative Capacities Through FFP Analysis Training

From September to December 2024, SEESAC delivered a series of hands-on trainings tailored to address the firearms investigation needs of law enforcement agencies from six Western Balkan jurisdictions. Spanning Sarajevo, Belgrade, Podgorica, Skopje, Pristina, and Tirana, the training fostered cross-institutional cooperation and strengthened the investigative capacities of over 70 representatives involved in firearms investigations in different capacities.

Led by Mr. Martin van der Meij, SEESAC SALW expert, the participants engaged in interactive sessions dedicated to enhancing investigative skills by combining theoretical knowledge with practical exercises. Key topics included data collection, intelligence analysis, firearms-related investigation support, cross-border investigations, and emerging threats.

The sessions emphasized the crucial role of data intelligence, addressing databases, the intelligence cycle, operational, criminal, and strategic analysis, international cooperation and exchange of intelligence resources, as well as critical thinking.

Two sessions addressed data collection processes, databases, and data intelligence, emphasizing the importance of data collection for firearms-related investigations. Moreover, to translate the presented information into practice, the participants engaged in a practical exercise focused on data analysis and transforming data into intelligence.

The second day of the training focused on data intelligence in greater depth, covering topics such as the intelligence cycle, various types of criminal, operational, and strategic analysis, analytical firearms focal point products, and critical thinking. The participants also had an opportunity to engage in a group discussion by analyzing various police reports to develop hypotheses and explore their implications.

The participants tackled challenges such as firearms trafficking, tracing, and the rising threat of 3D-printed weapons. Discussions also highlighted high-value/priority targets, featuring a variety of case studies that exemplified funding, international cooperation, and the exchange of intelligence resources in conducting cross-border firearms investigations.

The training was wrapped with a discussion on gender-sensitive analysis, amplifying the necessity of gender-segregated data in understanding and addressing the differing effects of firearms on men and women, as well as its importance in evidence-based policymaking.

The training sessions provided a platform for dynamic discussions between institutions and information exchange allowing participants to share best practices and refine data collection processes.

The Analysis Training for Firearms Focal Points was organized as a part of the Regional IPA project in Support for Enhancing the Fight Against the Illegal Possession, Misuse, and Trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons in the Western Balkans (2021/425-067).