Description
The project will be implemented by the Academy of the Ministry of Interior in partnership with Council of Europe.The goal is to prevent and reduce the incidents of violation of human rights by the police while acting in a multi-ethnic environment with special focus on the Roma population and to enhance the police services skills to adhere to human rights while using force, auxiliary means, and firearms.Main activities: a baseline study and analysis of the legislation in Bulgaria on the topic;development of two training curricula on the legitimate and proportionate use of force, auxiliary means, and firearms and a guideline regarding the understanding of the preventive mechanisms of using force and working in a multi-ethnic environment;renovation and provision of equipment for six training auditorium rooms where these topics will be taught; training of trainers 40 police officers, each trainer will conduct in-service training of 40 police officers; acquainting the police officers with knowledge about Roma community (e.g. on Roma history, culture, values etc) and preventing the stereotypes against Roma
Summary of project results
The project was aimed to reduce the incidents of violation of human rights by the police while acting in a multi-ethnic environment, with special focus on the Roma population and to enhance the police services skills to adhere to human rights while using force, auxiliary means, and firearms. This was achieved through acquainting the police officers with knowledge about Roma community and preventing the stereotypes against Roma and also through special trainings. The output under the Programme is fully achieved. All project activities have been successfully completed. A baseline study on the legal basis for the legitimate use of force, auxiliary means and fire arms was conducted and the results were presented on a event with the participation of law enforcement representatives, NGOs and the Council of Europe. A guideline (manual) for training police officers was also developed. Renovation and provision of equipment for 6 auditorium rooms for training of police officers was carried out. The number of law enforcement officers trained in human rights protection and the skills necessary to work in a multi-ethnic environment is 2 459, of them 41 through train the trainers courses. According to statistical data on the unlawful use of force, auxiliary means and firearms there is a decrease of cases when human right were violated. The main outcome of the project to prevent and reduce the incidents of violation of human rights by the police while acting in a multi-ethnic environment, with special focus on the Roma population is achieved.
Summary of bilateral results
It could be emphasized the very good cooperation of Academy of MoI and Council of Europe in the implementation of the project, which contributes to the extendedt cooperation. The reported results under the project for human rights protection and further development of necessary skills and knowledge of police officers, especially those working in multi-ethnic environment, including Roma communities, were overachieved in close cooperation with the experts of Council of Europe.