OSCE Mission trains Moldovan police on investigation techniques to combat human trafficking
(Katz/Transworld)OSCE anti-trafficking activities in 2005 place a particular focus on child victims. (Katz/Transworld) Photo details
CHISINAU, 31 January 2005 - A two-week training course for police officers on pro-active investigation techniques to combat human trafficking in Moldova started today in Chisinau. Fifteen police officers from various regions of the country are participating in this program financed by the OSCE Mission to Moldova.
"This kind of inter-active training will help Moldova's police officers be better prepared to protect vulnerable citizens from human trafficking and find and punish those responsible for the tragic crimes," said Antonia De Meo, the Mission's Anti-Trafficking Officer.
During the course, officers will simulate a criminal investigation of a trafficking case. This will help them learn how to better collect, analyze and use evidence in criminal cases concerning organized crime and trafficking in human beings. They will also be taught how to conduct pro-active investigations and not to rely solely on testimony from victims.
Prosecutors and NGOs will explain about proper victim treatment and effective victim-witness protection programmes.
The OSCE developed the training course in response to input from local police authorities, who made clear their interest in a practice-oriented programme, instead of theory and lectures, and the need for advice from experts who have dealt with trafficking cases.
The training course is part of the OSCE Mission's two-year project, called Strengthening Protection and Assistance to Victims of Trafficking, which is based on a human rights approach to combating trafficking in human beings.
"This kind of inter-active training will help Moldova's police officers be better prepared to protect vulnerable citizens from human trafficking and find and punish those responsible for the tragic crimes," said Antonia De Meo, the Mission's Anti-Trafficking Officer.
During the course, officers will simulate a criminal investigation of a trafficking case. This will help them learn how to better collect, analyze and use evidence in criminal cases concerning organized crime and trafficking in human beings. They will also be taught how to conduct pro-active investigations and not to rely solely on testimony from victims.
Prosecutors and NGOs will explain about proper victim treatment and effective victim-witness protection programmes.
The OSCE developed the training course in response to input from local police authorities, who made clear their interest in a practice-oriented programme, instead of theory and lectures, and the need for advice from experts who have dealt with trafficking cases.
The training course is part of the OSCE Mission's two-year project, called Strengthening Protection and Assistance to Victims of Trafficking, which is based on a human rights approach to combating trafficking in human beings.