1. INTRODUCTION The OSCE operates on the premise that respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, democracy and the rule of law, as well as an effective and accountable criminal justice system are fundamental to a well functioning modern democracy. Democratic policing, which serves the people rather than just the State and respects human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law, is central to protecting life and property, detecting crime, preserving public order as well as preserving social stability during crises and emergencies, and supporting post-conflict reconstruction and rehabilitation. In recognition of the importance of the rule of law and democratic policing, police-related activities have become a key component of the OSCE’s post-conflict rehabilitation operations and have gained increasing relevance in the organization’s democratization and rule of law activities in states of transition as well as in the promotion of international co-operation in the fight against terrorism and organized crime. By the end of 2010, 15 out of 18 OSCE field operations undertook police-related activities.5 The following map provides an overview of OSCE field operations that undertook police-related activities as at the end of 2010. Legend: South-Eastern Europe: 1) Presence in Albania 2) Mission in Kosovo 3) Mission to Montenegro 4) Mission to Serbia 5) Spillover Monitor Mission to Skopje Eastern Europe: 6) Office in Minsk 7) Mission to Moldova 8) Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine 5 Southern Caucasus: 9) Office in Baku 10) Office in Yerevan Central Asia: 11) Centre in Ashgabat 12) Centre in Astana 13) Centre in Bishkek 14) Office in Tajikistan 15) Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan Since not all field operations have a distinguished police component, police-related activities of these field operations have been undertaken by other thematic components such as democratization, human rights, or rule of law units. 13