Police role in combating terrorism focus of OSCE Madrid meeting

MADRID, 9 May 2007 - Enhancing the role of the police in the fight against terrorism was the aim of an experts-level OSCE meeting that ends in Madrid today.

The two-day event, "Strengthening Police Role and Co-operation in Combating Terrorism" was organized by the Spanish OSCE Chairmanship, the Organization's Strategic Police Matters Unit and the Spanish Interior Ministry.

It brought together over 60 experts from OSCE participating States, Partners for Co-operation and international organizations.

"The fight against terrorism is a priority for the OSCE, and we hope this meeting will help develop the involvement of the police in counter-terrorist activities," said Arturo Perez, Deputy Permanent Representative of Spain to the OSCE.

"Participants discussed the role of intelligence-led and community-based policing can play in preventing terrorism activities, police practices in investigating logistics and communications used by terrorists, ways to protect the rule of law in the fight against terrorism, and the situation in the Mediterranean and South-Eastern Europe."

Kevin Carty, OSCE Senior Police Adviser, added: "Organized crime and terrorism have a lot in common. Despite their impact, they are not easily definable. Terrorist groups often have a detailed knowledge of law enforcement methodology, are alert to the threat and take effective action to frustrate investigation of their criminal activity. Therefore, law enforcement agencies need to combine forces and engage in meaningful co-operation to produce concentrated and sustainable counter-terrorism capabilities."