Implementing period: January 2021 - November 2023

Budget: US$1,429,520

The aim of the project was to further improve the capacities of the Ministry of Interior (MoI) of the Republic of Serbia in the entire investigative cycle as related to the trafficking of firearms and firearms criminality, from crime scene and ballistic examination, through the whole custody chain, in order to improve investigations leading to regular convictions. The project complemented the results of its previous phase, implemented by UNDP Serbia through the Funding Windows regional project on SALW control, and it offered solid foundation for further consolidation of results through its subsequent phase within the MPTF.

The project focused on the Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) units throughout Serbia and their way towards the accreditation path. This phase of the project further built the capacities of ballistic laboratories in Serbia resulting in the accreditation of the ballistic laboratory in Belgrade, at the central level. In addition to the firearms examinations, focus was placed on investigations of arson and explosion accidents, through specialized forensic trainings and full implementation of SOPs based on ENFSI best practice manuals, as well as improved equipment. Another important goal of the project was the upgrade the SALW-control registry system, including through new equipment and training of the police officers in this field.

Overall achievements:

• The project increased capacities of the Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) units in line with international standards, ISO 17020.
  • The evidence recovery database for CSI Unit, i.e. the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), was fully developed, with provided software, hardware and server components (printer, scanner, bar code reader, barcode printer) as well as related training for police staff.
  • The CSI units were also provided with specialized equipment, encompassing a device for fingerprints recovery on discharged cartridge cases, and 27 sets of IT equipment (desktop computer, printer, scanner, bar code reader, barcode printer) for the CSI evidence recovery database users.
  • Advanced training curricula was developed in accordance with ISO 17020 standard, and training was delivered for 27 central and regional level CSI units. 92 forensic technicians (9 women and 81 men) were trained on CSI methods in line with the ISO 17020.
     
• The capacities of the National Forensic Center’s ballistic sector were comprehensively advanced according to ISO 17025 standard.
  • Building upon a needs assessment and expert recommendations from the UK’s National Ballistics Intelligence Service, the project provided comprehensive technical, expert and mentoring support for the accreditation of the central ballistic laboratory according to ISO 17025 standard, as well as support to the ballistic experts from regional ballistic labs.
  • Following the development in 2021 of an action plan for the accreditation, the project supported related processes and application. It provided a set of training courses for the ballistic staff in accordance with ISO 17025, including the i) awareness-raising training and internal audit training for 12 ballistic experts (1 woman, 11 men); ii) training on the application for the ISO 17025 standard and on the accreditation action plan for 10 ballistic experts (1 woman, 9 men), and iii) an advanced training for 9 experts (one woman and 8 men) from 3 regional ballistic laboratories. In addition, a  collaborative ballistic testing was organized for ballistic experts with their peers from an accredited ballistic lab in Skopje, as required for the accreditation.
  • The NFC’s central ballistic laboratory was equipped with a comparative high-range microscope for ballistic examination, a metal evidence storage cabinet with 9 compartments; a ballistic chronograph (indoor and outdoor use); a laser engraving machine; a vacuum cleaner; wooden boxes; a laboratory bottle for gun powder; a bullet trap for rifle bullets; a bullet trap for pistol bullets; an air gun pellet catcher; a gas ammunition firing chamber; a mobile protective shield for the shooter. The NFC’s chemical and toxicological laboratory was equipped with a GSR ashing device and some spare parts for the GSR-related equipment. Additional small-scale ballistic equipment was provided in line with accreditation requirements.
  • The National Forensic Center’s shooting range was adapted and equipped according to the ENFSI standards. Subsequently, the project analysis for the shooting range and water tank for test firing for safety usage in line with new SALW regulations was developed and approved by the NFC.
  • Furthermore, the Open Case File (OCF) for ballistic examinations was prepared in line with necessary standards and SOPs, with 8 ballistic experts (all men) trained on the subject matter.
  • The operational framework was upgraded with the development and adoption of two SOPs, on i) using the ABIS systems (Arsenal, Evofinder, and Traffic) in operating the open case file and the illegal firearms database, as well as on ii) ammunition delaboration.
  • A professional peer-exchange with German counterparts was supported, including a study visit to Wiesbaden for 2 ballistic experts (men) in 2022, and an expert visit and GSR specialized training in Wiesbaden for 3 NFC experts (1 woman and 2 men) in 2023.
  • Finally, the Central Ballistic Laboratory in Belgrade was accredited by the Accreditation Body of Serbia according to ISO 17025 standard, for the method of comparative analysis of the identification of the cartridge cases.
     
• The project increased investigative capacities of the NFC’s Arson/Explosion/Accident (AEA) unit:
  • A guiding document was developed on the application of the ISO 17020 standard for the AEA unit. Based on the needs assessment in the area of AEA, the project prepared training curricula for awareness raising according to ISO 17020 standard and identified needs for the necessary equipment for the AEA Unit.
  • An awareness raising training session was implemented, enhancing the knowledge of 15 AEA experts (5 women and 10 men) about the ISO 17020 standard and how to prepare for the accreditation of the explosion investigation method in line with ISO 17020. An advanced training followed for 5 AEA experts (1 woman and 4 men), tackling the explosive investigation and post-blast courses.
  • A SOP was developed and approved by NFC on the performance of forensic investigators at the arson/explosion scenes, coupled with a related one-day training for AEA unit staff.
  • In line with the identified needs, the AEA Unit was equipped with specialised equipment encompassing an endoscope, a quadcopter with a built-in camera, mobile devices (tablet and phones), a thermo-vision camera, handheld flashlights, a benchtop 3D scanner and printer, a set of toolkits.
  • Five post-blast training sessions were implemented, enhancing the skills and knowledge on the subject-matter of 132 forensic technicians (15 women and 117 men).
     
• The SALW-control registry system was upgraded, enhancing the administration of the SALW-control system in the Ministry of Interior and General Police Directorate of the Republic of Serbia.
  • Based on an analysis of the IT infrastructure and technical specifications, the project provided to the MoI’s Administrative Directorate and the General Police Directorate the necessary software, hardware and servers for the proper functionality of the SALW-control registry system. This entailed the upgrade of the SALW control registry system database, and the provision of 130 IT sets (computers, monitors, scanners, and printers) for the users of the SALW-control registry system.
  • In addition, specialized safety equipment was delivered to the users of the SALW-control registry system in the Police Administrative Directorate, including 36 bullet traps for safe firing and 14 metal lockers.
  • Five training sessions for users of SALW-control browser/system and high-level police officers were delivered, enhancing the capacities and understanding of 210 participants (146 women and 64 men) on the SALW-control and the upgraded system.
     

The project contributed to Roadmap Goals 1, 2, 3, 5 and key performance indicators 3, 4, 5, 9, 14 of the Roadmap for a sustainable solution to the illegal possession, misuse and trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons and their ammunition in the Western Balkans.

Implementing period: November 2023 – November 2025

Budget: $1,512,540

The aim of the project implemented by UNDP Serbia is to further improve the forensic capacities of the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Serbia in the entire investigative cycle in order to support criminal investigations and proceedings in the area of firearm-ammunition-explosive (FAE)-related crimes as well as the Small Arms and Light Weapon (SALW)-control system. The project builds upon and consolidates results of the previous interventions that started with the first phase of the project in 2019 and continued with the second phase from 2021 to 2023.

Building upon previous results, the project will concentrate on improving capacities of the National Forensic Center, focusing on the crime scene investigation, ballistic examinations; explosion examinations; as well as capacities of the chemical laboratory for examinations of traces of explosives and of gunshot residues. The project will further improve validity and visibility of achieved forensic capacities in line with recognized standards. In addition, the project will further advance SALW-control capacities and handling of firearms of the police administrative affairs directorate.

The project contributes to Roadmap Goals 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 and key performance indicators 3, 8, 9, 13 and 14 of the Roadmap for a sustainable solution to the illegal possession, misuse and trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons and their ammunition in the Western Balkans.

Implementing period: September 2022 - May 2023

Budget: US$ 170,700

The project builds upon the findings from the first phase of the Reduce Risk-Increase Safety project, implemented by UNDP Serbia through the Funding Windows regional project on SALW control. It aims to accelerate the implementation of the normative and strategic framework and boost existing practices and partnerships related to protection from SALW misuse in the context of violence against women and domestic violence in Serbia. In addition, it addresses the problem of suicides committed with firearms.

The project fosters implementation of Goal 4 of the Roadmap, namely to significantly reduce the supply, demand and misuse of firearms through increased awareness, education, outreach and advocacy. It focuses on decreasing the considerable number of suicides and cases of firearms misuse for domestic violence that are still recorded in Serbia. It also contributes to the achievement of Roadmap Goal 2, whereby it supports that arms control policies and practices in the Western Balkans are evidence based. The specific objective is to reduce the risk of misuse of firearms for domestic violence or suicides by persons who have access to firearms as civilians, or based on their occupation or hobby, as well as those who have access to illegal firearms. Through its activities, the project aims to create a comprehensive approach to strengthening the role of the healthcare system in the prevention of firearms misuse.

Overall achievements:

• The project ensured preconditions for planning a comprehensive approach to strengthening the healthcare system’s role in the prevention of firearms misuse for violence. 
  • Stakeholders relevant for prevention of firearms misuse for violence were mapped, involving the participation of both institutional and NGO representatives, as well as independent experts. Institutional, civil society, community, private sector and individual actors were identified, to be considered and involved in a comprehensive approach to tackle firearms misuse. Part of the mapping process was captured in infographic form.
  • The project mobilized over 250 representatives (75% women and 25% men) of state institutions, private entities, civil society organizations, communities, media and independent experts, through its six workshops, a series of consultative meetings, interviews and events, surpassing the initially envisaged number of stakeholders to be involved (100). 
  • Set of feasible and implementable measures and activities to improve prevention of firearms-enabled domestic violence was developed, through the process of stakeholder engagement around the topic of prevention of SALW misuse for violence and suicides. This involved the outlining of the main challenges identified in the actual implementation of the framework of SALW misuse prevention and recording of suggested implementable solutions and opportunities for improvement.  In response to the dilemmas raised by health professionals regarding protection from the domestic violence, including that committed through SALW misuse, guidelines were developed, as part of this process, to improve healthcare workers’ readiness to recognize and provide support in domestic violence cases through a multi-sectoral approach. 
     
• The project explored a range of knowledge-attitude-behavioural challenges to prevent firearms misuse, involving state institutions, private entities, communities and individuals.
  • Comprehensive stakeholder consultation resulted in the development of a knowledge paper examining the various aspects of suicide by firearms. The knowledge paper focuses on identified challenges in suicide prevention that persons at risk of committing suicide (as beneficiaries) and healthcare professionals (as support service providers) face and provides possible solutions. The challenges and entry points for overcoming them relate to the procedure of firearm permit issuance/revocation, digitalization, existing good practices and their application, risk assessment and cooperation with other systems and organizations, as well as successful outreach towards patients and support service accessibility. The perspectives of both persons seeking support and those providing it were analysed, to identify and suggest solutions for bridging the gaps between beneficiaries and service providers. Input collection also facilitated partnership building and networking with and among experts working to support persons at risk of suicide, health specialists – psychiatrists, civil society organization representatives, as well as institutional and state representatives.
  • Feeding into the comprehensive knowledge paper towards strengthening approaches to prevention, specific areas of focus were further analysed:
    • Research on the phenomenon of intimate partner femicide-suicide cases committed with firearms, highlighting specific risk factors and circumstances, with a view of improving institutional response and prevention of such cases.
    • Research on mental health programs and interventions to prevent suicides committed with firearms, focusing on 45+ male population and firearms carrying professionals, including recommendations for improvements.
    • Analysis of the existing roles and responsibilities of the healthcare system in suicide prevention and responding to suicide risks.
  • Journalists’ capacities to create media stories in an ethical manner were improved and public awareness was raised on the link between SALW misuse, gender-based violence, suicides, and the importance of prevention. This encompassed:
    • a workshop with journalists and editors (50 participants, 60% women and 40% men, from a publishing house with online and print media that have an audience of over 1,300,000 readers of daily and monthly issues).
    • publishing of  Guidelines for ethical media reporting on suicide, including firearms-misuse suicide, based on assessment of existing reporting practices and prepared to serve as a resource on educational and preventative media reporting.
    • close collaboration with the UNDP-supported group “Journalists against violence” throughout project implementation.
  • Capacities of 29 Ministry of Interior's (MoI) psychology experts were improved (over 90% women) to deal with the possible psychological effects of traumatic experiences on police officers who work on cases with violent elements. This contributes to reducing the risk of firearms misuse for domestic violence or suicide among police officers and other MoI staff.
     
• Being based on stakeholders’ better understanding of effects of firearms misuse and improving multi-agency action, in the aftermath of the mass shootings in May 2023 that occurred in Serbia, the project:
  • contributed to increased capacities of institutions in planning immediate response measures.
  • contributed to UNDP being recognized as a holder of expert knowledge on SALW-misuse and was contacted to provide suggestions for expert interviewees, while the knowledge products developed through the project were cited.
  • facilitated placement of knowledge- and evidence-based public messages by networking experts and media, thus serving awareness raising and trauma alleviation.
     

In the context which shifted great public attention to firearms misuse prevention, the project proved catalytic in the identification of future needs and actions, which will be addressed through the new “Reduce Risk – Increase Safety III” project, ensuring the sustainability of achieved results. 

The project contributed to Roadmap Goals 2 and 4 and key performance indicators 2, 9, 10, and 14 of the Roadmap for a sustainable solution to the illegal possession, misuse and trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons and their ammunition in the Western Balkans.

Implementing period: October 2023 – October 2025

Budget: $776,135

The project aims to reduce the risk of firearms misuse for violence and suicide in Serbia, building upon previous results. It will further foster collaboration and knowledge exchange of relevant stakeholders and enhance community response to firearms-related crises and trauma.

More specifically, the project aims to i) Review gender and age data collection practices, use lessons learned to facilitate evidence-based policy making and mainstream firearms risks into domestic violence regulations; ii) Enable networking and capacity building of women to actively participate in SALW control policies; iii) Improve conditions for improved detection of potential firearms misuse for domestic violence and suicides and ensure comprehensive prevention support; iv) Make available information on the harmful effects of underlying practices and attitudes leading to firearms misuse and supportive mechanisms preventing suicides. V) Enable best practice sharing with professionals, media and academia on effective mechanisms for prevention of future firearms related incidents.

The project contributes to Roadmap Goals 2, 4 and key performance indicators 2, 10 and 14 of the Roadmap for a sustainable solution to the illegal possession, misuse and trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons and their ammunition in the Western Balkans.