OSCE Mission to Skopje supports training on security of public gatherings

SKOPJE, 30 September 2011 - An OSCE-supported specialized training session for police officers on handling armed offenders in a crowd concluded in Skopje today.

During the five-day course, 20 police officials from the Rapid Deployment Units of the Interior Ministry improved their skills in handling armed offenders in a crowd to maintain and restore public order, while ensuring the protection of human rights in line with international standards.

The course was initiated by the Interior Ministry and supported by the OSCE Mission to Skopje in co-operation with the French Embassy.

“One of the main duties of the police is to maintain public order and rule of law,” said Paulo Costa, the OSCE Mission’s Head of Police Development Department. “Police officers must be committed to the principle that the use of force is an exceptional measure, which must not be used arbitrarily, but be proportionate to the threat and be taken in full respect for fundamental human rights.”

Sasho Mitevski, the Head of the Interior Ministry’s Special Units Department added: “This course will build up the tactical and decision-making capacities of the Rapid Deployment Unit members in dealing with armed offenders. It will also help make sure that the police use coercion methods only in line with the law. “

The project is part of this year’s Mission’s activities aimed at assisting the Interior Ministry in the further development of a modern police service in line with international standards.