Serious and Organized Crime Investigation At the request of the host country, the Presence organized a review of an unresolved murder case involving the detonation of an improvised explosive device (IED), which occurred in 2014. The peer review was done by a contracted specialist with support from experienced Presence staff. The review revealed numerous flaws in State Police serious crime investigation methods and resulted in a report that included 29 recommendations. The report and the recommendations, both case-specific and generic, were presented to various levels of the State Police and the General Prosecutor’s Office. The Presence remains committed to assisting the beneficiaries to implement the recommendations, thus increasing professionalism and enhancing capacities in how serious and organized crime investigations are conducted in Albania. As part of their willingness to improve, the State Police formed a working group to address the deficiencies and asked the Presence to co-chair it with them. This has been seen as a very positive development on their part. Intelligence-Led Policing During 2014, the Presence conducted a series of 14 workshops in various regions of Albania, briefing senior police management, Regional Directors and their teams on intelligence-led policing and the National Intelligence Model, as well as taking the opportunity to assess their current application of that standard European model, which was adopted by the ASP in 2007. The Presence was accompanied by a police crime analyst, who was also a trainer. Many of the senior officers were relatively new to their posts, having been recently reappointed or promoted following a change in government in 2013. Most had no previous training or knowledge in the implementation of the National Intelligence Model. Post-Terrorist Incident Training As part of its work to raise capacities of those involved in post-terrorist incidents, the Presence looked at the work of the Fire Service in Albania. Not only were they found to be under-staffed and under-resourced, but they also lacked training. This in effect means that they are not truly in a position to assist the Police or other security forces in Albania, should a serious incident occur. To raise awareness of the problem and to test capabilities, the Presence contacted the International Fire and Rescue Association in Scotland. Although a registered charity, its members are highly trained and experienced UK fire fighters with a great deal of international developmental experience. Since they had previously provided support to the Fire Service in Albania, the Presence arranged for approximately 35 tonnes of surplus fire-fighting and recovery equipment to be provided through them during 2014. In addition, two members of the Association delivered training and undertook a capability study of the Fire Service, with a view to future developmental work being planned. The Presence also worked closely with the authorities on the development of the new draft Fire Service legislation, which the authorities will consider during 2015. Forensic Science In 2014, the Presence worked with the head of the Polish Police Forensic Science Service to facilitate a co-operation agreement to develop the forensic skills of the State Police. This partnership is aimed at raising forensic standards in the fight against organized crime and terrorism. The Presence continues to support the Albanian Forensic Science Service in enhancing evidence examination and analytical processes. This is being done through the development of standardized sustainable training and the acquisition of equipment. The Presence has worked closely with other international actors to help Albania establish a National DNA Database and accreditation for processing and analysis to ensure that the country meets the highest international forensic laboratory standards. As part of this co-operation, a study visit to the Polish State Police Forensic Laboratory was facilitated in 52