OSCE Presence joins forces with Polish experts to improve forensic skills of Albanian Police

On 28 April, the OSCE Presence in Albania and Poland’s Central Police Forensic Laboratory signed a co-operation agreement in developing the forensic capabilities of the Albanian Police. This partnership is aimed at raising forensic processing standards in the fight against serious organized crime and terrorism.

The Presence will support the Albanian Forensic Science Service in enhancing evidence examination and analytical processes. This will be done through the development of standardized sustainable training and the acquisition of equipment. The OSCE Presence will work closely with other international actors to help Albania establish a national DNA database and accreditation for processing and analysis, to ensure that the country meets the highest international forensic laboratory standards.

“Tackling international crime needs international standards and international co-operation. Albania must have fully established and sustainable forensic science services,” said  Robert Wilton, Deputy Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, who signed the agreement on behalf of the OSCE Presence. “These should incorporate not just expertise in a variety of disciplines but also the ability to meet international standards in evidence recovery, analysis and reporting, including accreditation.”

On the Polish side, the agreement was signed by Wlademar Krawczyk, Head of the Polish Central Police Forensic Laboratory, who is visiting Albania to strengthen professional co-operation and to review Albanian capabilities.

Poland’s Ambassador to Albania Marek Jeziorski, Deputy Interior Minister Ilirjan Mustafaraj and General Director of the Albanian State Police Artan Didi also participated in the event.