Funding Mechanisms

Support to Firearms Related Investigations

Implementing period: January 2023 - October 2023

Budget: US$ 350,318

The project built upon the previous Roadmap projects implemented in the jurisdiction and further strengthened firearms investigations and operations of law enforcement authorities. The project specifically advanced the operations of the Firearms Focal Point in Pristina through the provision of technical support for enhanced data collection as well as through linking relevant databases and systems for better analytical work of FFP. The project also supported the efficiency of the Forensic Agency and exchange of forensic data with the FFP. Specialized equipment, training and peer exchange were provided to the Forensic Agency to advance its ballistic examinations in line with recognized standards. Finally, Kosovo Police was supported to advance its investigation capacities through the provision of specialized equipment for detection of weapons hidden underground, thus facilitating investigation and prosecution of firearms related crime.

Overall achievements:

  • Data collection and analysis by the Firearms Focal Point has been improved.
    • Following a thorough assessment and expert recommendations and support, the iBase data management system of the Firearms Focal Points was linked with the Traffic ballistic system and Evofinder Ballistic Identification system. The links of the databases successfully passed the testing and are currently in use by the law enforcement agencies in the jurisdiction. The linking of iBase to the Traffic system is expected to result in better data collection and analysis with regards to ballistic intelligence, while the linkage with the Evofinder system will help to ensure that ballistic intelligence can be linked to criminal intelligence. The interconnected systems should not only enable a more streamlined flow of information but also enable more effective and data-driven decision-making processes and operations.
    • As a critical aspect of the activities, the project also supported the digitalization of information held by the FFP. It converted physical or unstructured data into digital formats, thus making it more accessible and easier to manage. The digitalization is to significantly improve data search, retrieval, and analysis.
    • A dashboard solution was established at the FFP via the TABLEAU visualization platform. The established links between the IBase solution with Traffic and Evofinder enable the digitalization and the visualization of info that FFP possesses, feeding into the dashboard solution.
    • In addition, access to CartWin Pro head stamp information database was made available to the MoIA, Kosovo Forensic Agency, FFP, and Police Investigation department. The provided CartWin Pro licenses enabled the four entities to more efficiently identify aspects of ammunition.
       
  • Enhanced examination of seized firearms by the Ballistic Department at the Kosovo Forensic Agency
    • The KFA’s Ballistic Department was equipped with seven stereomicroscopes, five borescopes and two Trigger Scan systems. The provision of the specialized equipment is aimed to improve the quality of investigation and evidence provided to the justice system.
    • Nine forensic staff technicians (2 women and 7 men) were trained to professionally utilize the new equipment.
    • The preparation process for accreditation as per ISO 17025 has been completed. The MoI of Croatia supported the validation and accreditation of two methods at KFA according to ISO 17025: i) serial number restoration; and ii) shooting distance determination with chemical methods. Two experts from the Croatian Forensic Institute were engaged to deliver training for Kosovo Forensic Agency staff on the two methods, which are to be validated and accredited. The training equipped 15 forensic staff (5 women and 10 men) with skills and knowledge to perform with higher standards of work in accordance with the ISO 17025, and to ensure that the results they produce are accurate and dependable, providing reliable forensic evidence.
       
  • Improved capacities of Kosovo Police to detect weapons hidden underground.
    • One ground penetration radar (GPR) was provided to the Kosovo Police and five police operators (all men) were trained in using and maintaining the device This device is to support detection and seizure of weapons hidden underground.
       

The project contributed to Roadmap Goals 1, 2,3, 5 and 7 and key performance indicators 3, 4, 7, 8, 9 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.