OSCE Mission to Montenegro supports regional co-operation in forensic science

Forensic science plays an increasingly larger role in criminal investigations. Joint forensic work on projects and cases with a regional character are crucial in combating organized crime. This was the conclusion of the sixth annual regional meeting of forensic centres, held in hybrid format, in Podgorica on 9 and 10 December 2021.

The Ministry of Interior’s Forensic Centre of the Police Directorate, supported by the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, organized the event. Sixteen participants from forensic laboratories in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia attended the meeting.

Stephen Harmon, the Mission’s Acting Programme Manager for Security Co-operation and Governance, applauded ongoing regional co-operation amongst forensic centers and laboratories in his opening remarks.  “This active co-operation is crucial, as evolving transnational threats do not recognize borders. Let me assure you that the Mission stands firm in its commitment to support the Montenegrin authorities in fighting organized and serious crime, and we will continue to support the development of forensic expertise,” he added.

Aleksandar Ivanović, Director of the Forensic Centre of Montenegro and member of the board of the European Association of Forensic Science Institutions (ENFSI), said that the conference has enhanced operational co-operation at the regional level. “This year’s regional conference will fuel the work on drafting an agreement on co-operation between the Western Balkans forensic laboratories, as well as joint work on projects and cases of regional character.”

Ivanović noted that previous regional meetings had resulted in joint work on cross-border organized crime, a more active role in international forensic associations, and mentoring activities in the accreditation of specific lines of forensic work.

Dorijan Kerzan, a representative of the ENFSI Board, also highlighted the organization’s continued support for forensic science laboratories across the EU member and candidate states through its regular meetings and technical working groups. “Only accredited and forensic centres with credible status in their own country are eligible to be part of the association,” said Kerzan.

The Mission supports Montenegrin authorities in fighting organized and serious crime, and will continue to support the development of forensic expertise to contribute effectively to this goal.