Description
The European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and the Ombudsman of Latvia have emphasized that the State Police should provide adequate conditions in short-term detention centres and improve competences of police officers in accordance with international human rights standards. These challenges were addressed through the following activities of the project: international exchange of experience and best practices; existing legislation analysis and development of proposals; training of the State Police personnel; reconstruction/ renovation of the short-term detention centres; project publicity, including the documentary film production. To improve competencies of staff, two professional training programmes at the State Police College were developed, as well as specialized 40h training program for detention officers was developed and 100 officers were trained. 10 short-term detention centres and 11 places of temporary keeping were renovated/ reconstructed. The Project was implemented with partners from Latvia, Estonia and the Council of Europe, which took part in all Project activities.
Summary of project results
The European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and the Ombudsman of Latvia have emphasized that the State Police should provide adequate conditions in short-term detention centres and improve competences of police officers in accordance with international human rights standards. Due to project 10 short-term detention centres and 11 places of temporary keeping were renovated/ reconstructed thus ensuring the human rights and improving the working conditions of police officers. 101 police officers participated in trainings. Amendments in legislation were done related to the procedures for holding the detained persons. The exercise yards are enlarged according to CPT standards, walking time on short detention places are prolonged as well as other improvements are implemented. Training programmes are included in the Annual Training Plan of State Police College. These changes are the basement of sustainability of results in the future and shows that the initially planned outputs are reached.
Summary of bilateral results
In the project LV08-0003, cooperation with CoE was crucial. CoE provided its expert advice during the implementation of the projects, and it added value to the activities carried out, as it plays an important role in ensuring compliance with human rights. The expert come to Latvia, observed the short term detention centres and places for temporary keeping and developed the reports advising the best solutions for improvement of conditions. On the final conference of project the representative of CoE admitted that the conditions for clients and staff are significantly improved due to implementing of project. The State police has shown remarkable progress on observance of human rights standards. The Estonian Academy of Security Sciences provided the advices concerning training subjects of police staff. The representatives of Latvian State Police went to Estonian Academy of Security Sciences on experience exchange visit and had a great opportunity to discuss different issues related to educational work and experience of both states. The bilateral relationships were strengthened. The State Police will participate on the next Norwegian financial mechanism planning period too in one team with Ministry of Interior of Republic of Latvia. The possibility of collaboration with CoE is very high, therefor the experience from this planning period will be very useful.