Strengthening the Capacities of the Forensics and Crime Scene Investigation System to Improve Criminal Justice Response to SALW (UNDP North Macedonia)

Duration

1 January 2024 – 30 September 2025

Beneficiary/ies

Ministry of Interior, North Macedonia

Donor/s

Multi-Partner Trust Fund

Funding Amount

USD 1,149,180

Funding gaps (if any)

The Ministry of Interior has alerted on an urgent need to install video surveillance and access control for evidence rooms and laboratories where the evidence from firearms-related crimes, including weapons and ammunition, are kept. A vacuum metal disposition method for fingerprint analysis of shells and other firearms-related evidence needs to be installed for analysis of fingerprints and DNA profiles found on shells. Specialized certified trainings for ballistic examiners are needed to ensure satisfactory examination of evidence in the new ballistic laboratory. The new CSI Training and Simulation Facility provides foundations to solidify the progress further through developing and rolling out an advanced training program for enhanced collection of firearms-related evidence. Ongoing data collection support provided insights into the benefits of additional digital solutions, including i) upgrade of the Weapons Registration Management System regarding deactivation, and ii) development of e-services related to SALW for citizens and businesses.

Objective/s

The objective of the project is to modernize the forensic and Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) system in the Republic of North Macedonia, with the aim of improving the quality of investigation and enabling a more efficient criminal justice response to SALW.

The project will improve the operational capacities of the forensic authorities through a series of coordinated activities that are in line with four of the seven Roadmap goals (namely, Goal 1, Goal 2, Goal 3 and Goal 4). The project will also complement the previously established Police Information Management System, through its upgrade with a new module on domestic violence, in line with Goal 2 of the Roadmap.

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.
• Exchange good practices with a specific focus on the areas defined in the Roadmap.

Goal 2:

• Strengthen capabilities for data collection, sharing and analysis.
• Prevent IAT through analysis and improvement of processes.
• Prevent IAT through improved institutional capacities, provision of specialised equipment and training.
• Integrate the gender perspective in SALW/firearms control measures.

Goal 3:

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

Goal 4:

• Develop sustainable partnerships to strengthen advocacy, reinforce outreach and reach messaging multipliers.
• Increase awareness and reduce the misuses of firearms in violence against women, domestic violence, and other forms of gender-based violence.
• Increase confidence in security institutions as providers of adequate and equal safety for all through community-society-regional outreach activities.

Key activities implemented up to date

Output 1.1

• All necessary interventions for the indoor shooting range have received formal approval from the Ministry of Interior and are currently ongoing. Most of the upgrades to the electrical installations, lighting, sound and ventilation systems have been completed.
• The ballistic bullet trap was installed at the end of October 2024 and is now fully tested and operational.

Output 1.2

• Two experts of the French National Forensic Police Service visited the Ministry of Interior Training Center in Idrizovo in November 2024.
• Preparation of the technical specification for the IT equipment that is needed for the CSI units within the Ministry is initated.
• An event for identifying the needs of the CSI units in North Macedonia was held. As a result of this meeting, several key procurement procedures were initiated to bolster the capabilities of the forensic department within the Ministry of Interior. Among these initiatives were procurements for Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Kits and IT equipment specifically tailored for the CSI units within MoI, which have now been finalized, for delivery dates in December 2024 and January 2025.

Output 1.3

• The approval of the technical specification is underway to initiate a procurement process for the development of a module on domestic violence. This procurement is based on the previously conducted Needs-based analysis within the Bridging project "Improvement of Data and SALW Collection Practices and SALW Related Investigations.

Main challenges encountered

• The new leadership of the MoI Training Center changed the decision regarding the allocated space for the CSI Training and Simulation Facility, proposing new premises. The newly proposed premises are suitable for this purpose; however, the new barracks, which is located in the perimeter of the MoI Training Center, is officially owned by the Faculty of Security, which is sharing the same space in Idrizovo, outside of Skopje. Although the process for allocating the space from the Faculty of Security to the MoI Training Center was supposed to be completed in early October, it was finalized at the end of December 2024. This, together with the change of the initially allocated space as a result of the new leadership of the Ministry of Interior and its Training Center, has caused significant delays in the implementation of Activity 1.2.2. The UNDP project team maintained constant communication with the International Cooperation Department and the Training Center leadership, playing a significant role in hastening the complex process of approvals. Ultimately, a positive decision was made, and the barrack was officially approved for the CSI Training and Simulation Facility in late December 2024.
• The signing of donation agreements for the donated equipment was delayed as a result of the new leadership of the Ministry of Interior and its Legal Affairs Department. This was previously a standard procedure which did not take significant time or efforts. The implementation of Output 1.3 was delayed as a result of the ongoing consultations with the IT and Telecommunications Department. The shift in priorities of the new government and leadership of this Department has delayed the final approval of the Terms of Reference, therefore delaying the beginning of the implementation of this activity. However, once completed, this procurement would enable an even greater achievement of the objectives under this Output.