Ethical police interviews and reliable evidence recording are help protect victims' and witnesses' rights, ensure fair proceedings, and build public trust in law enforcement.
Following request from a broad range of stakeholders, from journalists to the Police Directorate, the OSCE Mission to Montenegro organized a training session in Podgorica on 14 and 15 October on ethical interviewing and the proper use of recording equipment. By the end of the year, the Mission will also provide recording equipment to security departments in Berane, Bijelo Polje, Podgorica and Rožaje.
Sixteen police officers took part in the training, guided by a psychologist and a clinical psychologist. They explored techniques for children and adults, the effects of trauma on memory, and ways to safeguard victims' and witnesses' rights.
Opening the workshop, the Head of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, Ambassador Jan Haukaas, stated that this training reflected a shared commitment to fair, profession, and lawful police interviews.
"The interview is one of the most important tools available to the police. It is often the first point of direct interaction between a person and the police, whether that person is a victim, witness, suspect, journalist or another individual providing information. How this interaction is conducted affects both the reliability of the information obtained and whether the individual feels respected, safe, and able to provide an accurate account" said Ambassador Haukaas.
He further stated that "Clear, impartial questioning and careful listening are essential to avoiding misunderstandings, protecting individual rights and ensuring the integrity of investigations."
Assistant Director of Police for the General Jurisdiction Police Sector, Haris Đurđević, noted that the provision and installation of recording equipment was among the requirements under the standards of the Council of Europe's Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) that Montenegro is obliged to implement, particularly to protect human rights and vulnerable groups.
"This training and the equipment that will be provided by the OSCE Mission represent significant support for the work of the Police Directorate and, at the same time, a safeguard for police officers facing unfounded allegations of abuse and torture," said Đurđević.
The two-day training addressed both the legal and psychological aspects of interviewing, with particular emphasis on engaging with vulnerable groups. It aimed not only to strengthen officers' practical interviewing skills but also to reinforce their responsibility to uphold professional and legal standards. Properly conducted and recorded interviews contribute to the reliability of evidence, the fairness of criminal proceedings and, ultimately, public trust in the police.
The training aimed to strengthen officers' practical skills and reinforce professional standards, helping to promote reliable evidence, fair proceedings, and greater public confidence in the police.
