OSCE Mission trains northern Kosovo Police officers on human rights-compliant arrest and defensive techniques

An OSCE-organized five-week training course on human rights-compliant arrest and self-defensive techniques for 36 officers of Kosovo Police Rapid Reaction Teams from Mitrovica/Mitrovicë North concluded in Vushtrri/Vučitrn on 19 August 2016.

Focusing on the role of rapid reaction police officers as first responders in situations, were trained on how to use police equipment, such as Tonfa – a tool for arrest and self-defense, and on how to use force while respecting and protecting human rights in these situations. The two stages of the course, each consisting of two weeks, were followed by a week-long train-the-trainer course for 11 of the participants to equip them with the necessary skills to share knowledge with their colleagues.

“Proper equipment and training is crucial for effective police work,” said Ake Roghe, Director of the Security and Public Safety Department at the OSCE Mission in Kosovo. “Knowing how to use Tonfa allows officers of rapid reaction teams – the only ones equipped with this tool - to make arrests more efficiently, ensuring maximum safety of the arrested person, and neutralize the danger for the police officer, his or her colleagues and other people.”

“With an increased efficiency in using police equipment and protection of human rights during police intervention, and a wide dissemination of training insights among police officers through the new trainers, we believe our contribution will have a direct impact on ensuring public safety for all communities in Kosovo,” said Roghe.

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo is mandated with the protection and promotion of human and community rights, as well as with democratization and public safety sector development. It regularly delivers advanced and specialized training courses and mentoring for law enforcement agencies to further improve its capacities.