Advancing the Capacities of the Ministry of Interior in the SALW Control-Related Field (Phase II) (UNDP Serbia)

Duration

January 2021 – November 2023

Beneficiary/ies

Ministry of Internal Affairs, General Police Directorate, Criminal Investigation Directorate, National Forensic Centar, and Administrative police Directorate

Donor/s

Multi Partner Trust Fund

Funding Amount

USD 1,429,520

Funding gaps (if any)

N/A

Objective/s

The overall objective of the Project is to strengthen the capacities of the Ministry of Interior of Serbia in the entire investigative cycle in order to improve investigations to achieve regular convictions. The General Police Directorate will be better equipped, trained and modernized.

The specific objectives of the Project are to contribute to the preparation for accreditation of the NFC ballistic laboratory, as well as the preparation for accreditation according to ISO 17020 standard of the units which perform crime scene investigation and explosions/explosives investigation, related to the entire investigative cycle, by increasing the capacities of the Ministry of Interior. SALW-control investigative cycle will be supported by the General Police Directorate and their line of work which will populate and analyze entire firearms administration of various licenses issued by the MoI.

Contributing to the Roadmap goal/s

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.

Goal 5:

• Substantially increase number of seized firearms, ammunition and explosives.

Key activities implemented up to date

Output 1. Increased capacities of the CSI units

• The final version of the Evidence recovery database was approved by NFC. In addition, hardware component was delivered to the NFC.
• Curricula for the advanced training was prepared. Four advanced trainings for CSI units at the central and regional level in accordance with the ISO 17020 standard were delivered, enhancing knowledge of 92 participants forensic technicians trained;
• The Fingerprint recover was delivered and 3-days training was conducted.

Output 2: Ballistic labs equipped, experts trained and laboratories prepared for the accreditation according to ISO 17025 standard

• The study/expert visit organized in November 2022 in Wiesbaden, Germany for 3 participants (2 ballistic experts
• The training was organized for 9 ballistic experts and the action plan for the accreditation process of the central ballistic lab was drafted.
• A list of the necessary equipment for the ballistic lab and shooting range was prepared and tender was successfully finalized.
• The OCF training with ballistic laboratory and consultant/mentor/facilitator was delivered.
• The GSR equipment was delivered to NFC.
• Tender successfully finalized and contract/works started.
• Awareness raising training and two-days training for internal audit organized for 15 people.
• The specialized GSR training for the theoretical aspects of cartridges content/content of the top of the firearm barrel with German colleagues organized in April 2023 for three NFC experts.
• Works/adaptation and equipping of the Shooting range completed.      
• Training for the ISO 17025 application was delivered. During the training, ballistic experts from Serbian laboratories worked also on the Action plan for the accreditation process of the central ballistic lab.
• Collaborative ballistic test was organized with the accredited ballistic lab in Skopje and their ballistic experts in April 2023. Application to ATS sent by NFC. The formal accreditation is expected beginning of December 2023.

Output 3. Increased capacity and establishment of arson/explosion/accident (AEA) investigation Unit

• SOPs drafted according to the ENFSI guideline.
• Training curricula has been drafted. Post-blast training organized for the first two groups of 25 forensic technicians, 50 in total organized in 2023. Additional 75, three groups of 25 forensic technicians trained in October instead of training with regional police unit that was planned. Training was approved by the MPTF secretariat. 
• The specialized equipment was delivered to AEA Unit: Endoscope, quadcopter with a built-in camera, mobile device – tablet and phones, thermo-vision camera, handheld flashlights, a benchtop 3D scanner and printer, a set of toolkits. Also, later in September, specialized equipment from was delivered, including the Respiratory protection breathing apparatus, Protective footwear, Rainwear (Rain Jacket with hood and rain pants), Work overall (trousers with a bib, holder, and loose straps) and Flame-resistant / water-resistant protective jacket with hood. Training for the usage of the breathing apparatus organized.
• Awareness-raising training was organized online for around 15 AEA experts.
• Advanced training for five AEA experts organized in Šabac, in line with 17020 standard.

Output 4. Upgrade of the SALW-control registry system

• Analysis and necessary equipment prepared for the Administrative directorate.
• IT SALW control registry system was developed.
• The equipment for the IT SALW-control registry system was procured and delivered.
• Five rounds of trainings for 200 SALW control users and senior officers from the 27 Police Administrative Directorates and HQ successfully organized.