SALW Control Roadmap 2030
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Advancing the Capacities of the Ministry of Interior in the SALW Control-Related Field (Phase III) (UNDP Serbia)

Duration

November 2023- November 2025

Beneficiary/ies

MoI Serbia, General Police Directorate, Criminal Investigation Directorate, National Forensic Centar, and Administrative Police Directorate

Donor/s

Multi-Partner Trust Fund

Funding Amount

USD 1,512,540

Funding gaps (if any)

N/A

Objective/s

The overall objective of the Project is to strengthen the capacities of the Ministry of Interior 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

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. 
Goal 7 - Significantly decrease the risk of proliferation and diversion of firearms, ammunition and explosives.

Contributing to the Roadmap overall targets

Goal 1:

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

Goal 2:

  • 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 7:

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

Key activities implemented up to date

  • The forensic analysis in the area of SALW control, which should include recommendations, preparation of SOPs and training curricula was completed.
  • Two FARO licenses for 3D scanners were delivered, as well as 3-day training for 18 participants from the CSI units.
  • Procurement contract signed for two CNA Fuming Chambers and a Discover Imaging System for the National Forensic Center of the MoI Serbia.
  • Recommendations for refurbishing and equipping of premises for preliminary processing and storing of forensic evidence were prepared.
  • Contract signed with the company for technical documentation and supervision of works in evidence reception rooms in RFC Niš and Užice, and for refurbishing the forensic evidence depository at the Belgrade CSI Department.
  • The procurement process for the adaptation of all three locations was launched.
  • The Curriculum for the advanced training on the implementation of ILAC G19 was initiated and approved by the National Forensic Center.
  • The ballistic analysis, which should include recommendations, was completed.
  • The upgrade of three ballistic microscopes in the ballistic laboratories located in Belgrade and Niš was completed.
  • Assessment with the recommendations about future accreditation of the regional ballistic labs as well as the assessment of the necessary equipment for the regional labs was completed.
  • Training curricula for the Action Plan for the accreditation of the ballistic labs was prepared.
  • The first two-day training for ballistic examiners was held in early October 2024 for 9 participants. Online meetings with regional ballistic labs organized regularly.
  • Two-day workshop was held in October 2024 to enhance inter-agency cooperation, with participation of 8 representatives from the National Forensic Center and 17 from the Prosecutor’s Office.
  • Two bilateral meetings for ballistic experts from Serbia and BiH was organized to discuss the SALW project, aimed at enhancing regional cooperation.
  • The needs assessment for the equipment for the AEA Unit was conducted.
  • A bilateral meeting between AEA experts was initiated and organized in December 2024 in Sarajevo, attended by 4 experts from Serbia and 6 counterparts from Bosnia and Herzegovina, thereby strengthening regional cooperation and exchanging best practices with local forensic experts.
  • The upgrade of two SEM microscopes in the laboratory for GSR was completed.
  • Two applications for participation in the working groups were successfully processed following contact with ENFSI representatives and forensic experts in Serbia. Both the ballistics and GSR working groups confirmed their attendance for the autumn 2024 sessions. Additionally, two officers from the National Forensic Center attended the One day One topic Seminar (OOS) & Quality and Competency Liaison Group (QCLG) Meeting in Malta, from 29-31 October 2024.
  • Firearms identification training announced and held in November in Sokobanja for 46 participants and on Kopaonik for 39 participants, totalling 85 participants. Curricula for the training were prepared and approved by MoI.
  • A meeting with MoI’s representatives about equipment needs for Police administration officers/stations was organized.

Main challenges encountered

N/A