Evaluation supported by OSCE Mission to Skopje shows improvement in crime scene investigation

SKOPJE, 14 November 2008 - A team of crime scene investigation experts from the Turkish Police released an evaluation report today following a visit to Skopje that was part of an OSCE-supported project.

The report showed the project helped crime scene investigators develop new skills, but that new equipment and more training courses were needed.

"We observed willingness among the crime scene investigators from all regional sectors of internal affairs to conduct investigations in the way they were trained, but unfortunately, they lack essential equipment," said Ismail Cebi, the Head of the Turkish National Police's Criminal and Technical Investigation Training Division.

Earlier this year, the crime scene investigators took part in a course in Ankara, where they learned about the latest techniques in this area.

"Fostering democratic policing techniques and evidence-based investigations are crucial aspects of today's law enforcement agencies, so it is encouraging to see that the officers who received the training are doing their best to use what they learned," said Raymond Hirons, the OSCE Mission's Acting Head of the Police Development Department.

"The report also gives a clear idea of what equipment is lacking so that the police can plan future investments and training opportunities."

The project was initiated by the Interior Ministry and supported by the OSCE Spillover Monitor Mission to Skopje and the Turkish International Co-operation and Development Administration.