SALW Control Roadmap 2024
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Advancing the Forensic Capacities of the Police Directorate of Montenegro for processing Firearms and Explosives-related Crimes (UNDP Montenegro)

Duration

November 2023 – November 2025

Beneficiary/ies

Police Directorate/Forensic Center

Donor/s

Multi-Partner Trust Fund

Funding Amount

USD 1,091,105

Funding gaps (if any)

N/A

Objective/s

The project aims at improving the crime scene investigation and laboratory forensic capacities of the Police Directorate of Montenegro for providing forensic evidence and intelligence necessary for investigating and judicial processing of the trafficking of firearms, their ammunition, explosives, and precursors, as well as other FAE-related criminal offences, including the sexual and gender-based violence. Improved evidence and intelligence capabilities shall serve the national criminal proceeding system and international investigations and proceedings.

Contributing to the Roadmap goal/s

Goal 1 - By 2023, ensure that arms control legislation is in place, fully harmonized with the EU regulatory framework and other related international obligations and standardized across the region.
Goal 2 - By 2024, ensure that arms control policies and practices in the Western Balkans are evidence based and intelligence led.
Goal 3 - By 2024, significantly reduce illicit flows of firearms, ammunition and explosives (FAE) into, within and beyond the Western Balkans. 

Contributing to the Roadmap overall targets

Goal 1:

  • Ensure standardization of procedures and practices in the area of arms control and FAE investigations.

Goal 3:

  • Prevent trafficking (smuggling, illicit trade and transit) of FAE through improved processes, equipment and training of targeted law enforcement units

Key activities implemented up to date

  • International consultant engaged to conduct analysis and needs assessment. Consultant hired and the assessment finalised in Q3 2024.
  • The consultant finalised the specifications for the procurement of specialised equipment.
  • Tender for the specialised equipment advertised in June 2024.
  • Based on the evaluation of tender contracts signed for the purchase of the equipment;
  • Participation in the ENFSI Annual meetings of Directors of Forensic Centres – Madrid, Spain.
  • Participation in the ENFSI Explosives Working Group – Zurich, Switzerland.
  • Participation in the ENFSI CSI Working Group – Budapest, Hungary.
  • Study visit – Institute for Forensic Science in Bratislava, Slovakia.
  • Adaptation of the shooting range within the Forensic Center.
  • Ballistic workshop reconstructed.
  • Delivery of procured equipment for CSI, Ballistic, Arson, Explosives and Chemical lab partially finalized.
  • Work on the development of SOPs for CSI ongoing.

Main challenges encountered

  • Changes of government and turnover of staff caused slow start of the project.
  • Small pool of experts.