In 2012, the activities of the PDD were divided into three main programmatic fields: Police Reform: Supporting the implementation of an effective human resource management and development system; Assisting in sustaining reforms and building an effective police service at the decentralized level through detached police advisers (co-locators); Participation in an Advisory Board (composed of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MoIA), the EU, the US ICITAP, and OSCE) to continue to monitor the implementation of the LoIA and its by-laws, and to provide recommendations, a) for its adjustment, in line with international practices, and b) for its effective implementation. Community Policing: Confidence-building aimed at fostering sustainable positive inter-ethnic relations among all communities and the police through forums such as Local Prevention Councils (LPCs) and Citizens’ Advisory Groups (CAGs), as well as training and interaction with civil society; Promoting and supporting equal opportunities and rights of ethnic minorities, women and vulnerable groups; Advising on and strengthening of internal control mechanisms of the police, including those structures targeting the fight against corruption within the police service; Supporting the MoIA’s Sector for Public Relations (Press Office) in its efforts to establish more open communication and stronger co-operation with local and national media, leading to benefits for both parties. Comprehensive Security: Supporting border management and control, with a focus on internal and regional security through expert assistance; Supporting local, regional and international security by providing expert assistance and training in the fight against organized crime and terrorism. As part of its efforts to provide targeted assistance, the PDD continually assessed developments in key areas of the police service throughout the year. An added value of the PDD remained its strong field presence throughout the country’s police sectors (SIAs – Sectors for Internal Affairs), which ensured early warning and monitoring of the security and inter-ethnic situation, as well as building positive relations with local police and communities, thereby contributing to the development of a sustainable decentralized and community-oriented police service. In 2012, the Department faced a significant decrease in its overall budget and the number of staff, in line with the overall downsizing trend of the Mission. For 2012, the PDD staffing was as follows: 19 international and 19 national positions. Police Reform 2012 saw further progress towards police development. Nevertheless, some issues, namely the professionalization of the police service, the establishment of modern human resources management and development, and the implementation of the LoIA, still remained to be fully completed. 94