More information
Description
The main aim of the pre-defined project is to develop a joint digital intelligence environment and enhance the expertise of professionals in order to facilitate information exchange among the Latvian law enforcement agencies, while fully and effectively utilizing available information to combat organized crime. The project addresses the need to formalize the cooperation between different law-enforcement agencies in Latvia, and thereby facilitate effective information exchange. This need was highlighted in the Fifth Round Mutual Evaluation Report by the Committee of Experts of the Evaluation of Anti-Money Laundering Measures and the Financing of Terrorism, 2018 (Moneyval report in 2018).
The main activities in the project include;
- development and implementation of legal procedures for inter-agency information exchange (regulatory proposals, procedures and inter-agency procedural roadmaps);
- software development;
- infrastructure development (infrastructure solution for State Revenue Service) developed and encryption equipment acquired;
- data analysis improvement;
- software integration with the State Police;
- analytics training;
- specialized training on special techniques (surveillance, covert operations and locksmith).
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address the following key issues and challenges:
- fragmented information exchange:
- a need to formalize and improve information exchange between law enforcement agencies in Latvia. This was driven by the recognition that effective collaboration was hindered by a lack of streamlined and efficient information sharing mechanisms.
- combating organized crime:
- the project sought to enhance the ability of law enforcement to combat organized crime by facilitating the full and effective utilization of available information.
- Moneyval report recommendations:
- specifically, the project addressed recommendations from the 2018 Moneyval report, which highlighted the necessity for stronger inter-agency cooperation.
- need for a joint digital intelligence environment:
- the project aimed to create a shared digital environment to facilitate seamless information exchange and analyses.
- enhancing professional expertise:
- to improve data analysis and the use of specialized techniques of law enforcement officers.
The project undertook several key activities to achieve its objectives:
- legal framework development:
- It focused on developing and implementing legal procedures for inter-agency information exchange. This included creating regulatory proposals, establishing standardized procedures, and designing inter-agency procedural roadmaps.
- software and infrastructure development:
- the project involved the development of software to support the joint digital intelligence environment.
- it also included infrastructure development, specifically an infrastructure solution for the State Revenue Service, and the acquisition of encryption equipment to ensure secure data exchange.
- data analysis improvement:
- the project aimed to enhance data analysis capabilities within law enforcement agencies.
- software integration:
- it focused on integrating the developed software with the Information Center of the Ministry of the Interior systems to ensure seamless information flow.
- training and capacity building:
- the project provided analytics training to improve the skills of law enforcement professionals.
- it also included specialized training on special techniques, such as surveillance, covert operations, and locksmithing, to enhance operational capabilities.
Outcomes and impacts:
- enhanced inter-agency cooperation:
- the project successfully formalized and improved information exchange between the State Revenue Service and the Information Center of the Ministry of the Interior, creating a more cohesive law enforcement environment.
- this led to more efficient and effective collaboration in combating economic crime.
- improved digital intelligence environment:
- the development and implementation of a joint digital intelligence environment facilitated seamless information sharing and analysis.
- this allowed for better utilization of available data in combating organized crime.
- strengthened legal framework:
- the creation of legal procedures and regulatory proposals provided a solid foundation for inter-agency information exchange, ensuring compliance and efficiency.
- enhanced law enforcement capabilities:
- training programs on data analysis and specialized techniques improved the skills and expertise of law enforcement professionals.
- this resulted in more effective investigations and operations.
- improved security:
- the purchase and implementation of encryption equipment helped to ensure the secure transfer of sensitive information.
Beneficiaries:
- State Revenue Service, State Police:
- these agencies benefited directly from improved information sharing, enhanced digital tools, and increased professional expertise.
- Latvian law enforcement agencies:
- the project contributed to a more coordinated and effective law enforcement system overall.
- Latvian society:
- citizens benefit from a more secure environment with potentially reduced economic crime and organized crime activity.
- the reduction of economic crime helps to ensure a more stable economic environment.
- the Latvian legal system:
- The project contributes to more efficient and effective investigations, which in turn leads to a more efficient legal system.