Development of standard operating procedures for the SALW-related investigations

As part of its ongoing effort to support criminal police services in South East Europe, SEESAC  organized a workshop to support the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the General Police Inspectorate of the Republic of Moldova.

This workshop took place on 10-13 October 2023 in Chișinău and was conducted as part of the implementation of the EU Council Decision (CFSP) 2022/2321. It represents SEESAC's continued commitment to support the capacity development of the General Police Inspectorate to counter illicit trafficking and possession of firearms.

During the four-day workshop, participants closely collaborated with SEESAC Experts to explore best practices for the development of SOPs related to risk analysis, weapons tracing, criminal investigations, and managing emergencies related to illegal firearm transportation, collecting and analyzing information from Open Source Intelligence and the Dark Web.

Building on the support provided through the Council Decision 2021/2161, amending Decision 2018/1788, this workshop was initiated based on recommendations from a Needs Assessment Report on Capacities of the General Police Inspectorate, which identified specific needs for the development of Standard Operating Procedures. As a further step in supporting the authorities in the Republic of Moldova, the relevant equipment will be procured and the relevant training provided.