EULEX Advisory Unit of Police and Border Matters and U.S. Department of Justice International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (ICITAP) joined together to provide an ‘Intelligence Led Risk Assessment for Planning and Managing Major Events’ training program for selected Kosovo Police officers at the Emerald Hotel this week. 

“The changing context of technology and the evolving risks and threats faced by police and law enforcement agencies mean we must have the capacity to respond in a dynamic and effective way. The aim being to reduce these threats, increasing the safety and protection of citizens”, said Jacqueline Smith, EULEX Intelligence Led Policing Advisor and one of the project managers.

The project delivery was conducted by subject experts; Lenno Reimand, Head of Strategic Analysis in EUROPOL; Assistant Chief Larry Satterwhite, Commander responsible for Managing Major Events, and Lieutenant Ban T. Tien, Special Events, both of the Houston Police Department (HPD).

The 4-day workshop was designed to enhance Kosovo Police capacities in identifying threats and risks, producing comprehensive intelligence assessments and providing robust responses within Kosovo. This provides the basis for informed decision making relating to the allocation of resources and the increase of overall safety of the public of Kosovo.

Frank Oliva, Project Manager and Senior Advisor with ICITAP stated, “Managing major events for law enforcement across the globe has become increasingly demanding. Law enforcement must continue to employ good criminal intelligence practices to better prepare for, manage, and mitigate any threats or incidents”.

The representatives of Europol and Houston Police Department emphasized the benefits of the training by presentations, interactive sessions and discussions, with a focus on real world experiences in practical exercises. 

Basri Kastrati, Captain in Kosovo Police, working in the directorate of intelligence and analysis said “We welcome this training in which we will benefit greatly and gain advanced knowledge from international experts”.

Participants also valued the opportunity to discuss and share common experiences as a way of exchanging information and enhancing their ability to better assess and mitigate risk. 

“All of the police personnel who are involved with the assessment of risk are present in this training for organising major events. The training is important for us to exchange mutual experience and information with EULEX experts who have a large amount of experience in this field” said Vllaznim Surdulli, Major in Kosovo Police, Director of Planning and Operational Evaluation.

EULEX will continue to offer support and guidance to KP as they continue to enhance their risk assessment capacities within its operations.