Support to the strengthening of the Canine (K-9) capacity of the police services to detect and confiscate SALW, ammunition and explosives (OSCE Mission in Kosovo)

Duration

1 September 2020 – 30 December 2024 (under AMDT2, 31 December 2027)

Beneficiary/ies

Ministry of Internal Affairs, Police/ K9 Unit

Donor/s

Federal Republic of Germany, France, European Agency for Reconstruction, European Commission, Norway (savings from previously closed OMIK ExB projects)

Funding Amount

EUR 136,300 (under AMDT2, the new budget 1,050.866)

Funding gaps (if any)

EUR 12,615 (under AMDT2)

Objective/s

• Support the strengthening of the existing K-9 capability of the Kosovo Police and its direct contribution towards prevention, suppression and investigation of SALW, ammunition, and explosives misuse and trafficking in the Western Balkans.

Contributing to the Roadmap goal/s

Contributing to the Roadmap overall targets

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

• A comprehensive need assessment on the organizational, structural and operational capacities of K9 Police Units was completed and presented to the Working Group and Steering Committee.
• Regular meetings held by the Working Group and Steering Committee.
• Delivered the Project Design for Civil Construction, Electrical and ICT installation works for the K-9 Unit infrastructure.
• The project coordination meetings are regularly organized and attended by the Project Team.
• Finalized the recruitment process for project staff supporting project activities.
• Training on dog anatomy is delivered.
• Advanced training for dog handlers on SALW detection delivered.
• Conducted an international tender for the construction of the K9 polygon, with construction works beginning in May 2023.
• Completed the 1st project amendment to expand activities and extend the project duration.
• Finalized a Master Plan for developing enhanced and sustainable K9 capabilities for KP, as well as the provision of technical assistance on related legal and practical matters, presented to beneficiaries and donors during a dedicated workshop held in May.
• Ongoing procurement of specialized equipment for the K9 Units, supporting maintenance, deployment, and advancement of service dog capabilities. The equipment has been identified in co-operation with beneficiaries.
• Completed construction of the K-9 Agility Polygon and delivered on 27 September 2023.
• Delivered specialized dog equipment on 27 September 2023.
• Organized an expert visit from the French Gendarmery from 13 to 15 November 2023.
• Procured additional construction works for the existing Kennels at Camp Vrelle.
• Supported one KP Officer to undergo a six-week ToT course for multidisciplinary dogs in Gramat, France, from 27 May 2024 to 07 July 2024.
• Organized a workshop to review and revise the KP SOP for K9 Operations.
• Participation in the High-Level Meeting on the Strategic Advancement of Police Canine Capabilities for the Prevention and Detection of Illicit and Trafficked Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) in South-Eastern Europe (SEE), taking place in Vienna, Austria on 25 October 2024. 

Main challenges encountered

• Increasing prices of goods and services on local and international markets due to supply chain disruptions and decreasing supply are having an adverse effect on planned project activities, especially those involving construction works and purchases.
• Fluctuating construction costs due to rising labor and material prices.
• Difficulties in finding the required local and international expertise.