Mission’s Training Sharpens Expertise of a New Generation of Law Enforcers
November 07, 2024
Last week in Kropyvnytskyi, future and current Ukrainian police officers participated in an intensive three-day training programme led by experts from the European Union Advisory Mission (EUAM) Ukraine. The event was hosted by the Donetsk State University of Internal Affairs (DonSUIA). Over 730 attendees, including cadets, professors, and police personnel from the Kirovohrad region, joined sessions covering a wide range of topics — from the nuances of international crime investigation to practical training on core police skills, such as safe handling of weapons and room clearance methodology.
Each segment was tailored to meet the specific needs of Ukraine’s law enforcement. Sessions on investigation techniques, particularly open-source intelligence (OSINT), introduced cadets to essential skills for gathering and analysing digital information — a crucial component of modern investigations. Using real-life scenarios, trainers illustrated how OSINT methods apply to complex or conflict-related cases, bridging the gap between theory and practical application.
A practical session on forensics covered shelling analysis, trajectory tracking, and weapons identification. EUAM experts demonstrated how to document shelling effects accurately and introduced the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to gather evidence, including DNA sample collection.
Emphasising the importance of high-quality evidence, Mission advisors also highlighted the role of accurate interview techniques. They covered various methods in detail, such as establishing a trusting relationship with victims, formulating questions that avoid influencing witnesses, and ensuring the accuracy and completeness of the information gathered.
The training programme also included a mediation session, where participants learned conflict resolution techniques aimed at fostering peaceful outcomes and de-escalating potentially volatile situations. Other sessions focused on working with vulnerable victims and witnesses, emphasising the importance of psychological support and a sensitive approach, particularly when handling individuals affected by trauma.
Stability policing was also on the agenda, as it is essential for managing crises and ensuring civilian safety. Drawing on European best practices, EUAM advisors shared strategies for maintaining public security in unpredictable situations, providing cadets with a strong foundation in crisis response.
The training was well-received by both participants and the host. Vice-Rector Ruslan Vradii, speaking on behalf of DonSUIA Rector Serhii Vitvitskyi, expressed gratitude to the Mission for its support and cooperation, noting that it contributes to the University’s growth and progress.
Incorporating this training program into DonSUIA’s curriculum would make it a valuable part of police education in Ukraine, reinforcing EUAM’s efforts toward civilian security sector reform. This step ensures that future officers gain the expertise and resilience needed to protect and serve Ukraine’s citizens in an increasingly complex environment.
