As a result of these activities, the Ministry, in 2010, initiated the development of a Custody Manual. This process also included the adoption of new policies and procedures that addressed the safer detention of persons in police custody, the protection of custody officers, the role of the Internal Affairs Division as the Ministry’s internal oversight mechanism, and the role of the Ombudsman’s Office, as the independent external oversight structure. In addition to the above, the LED initiated a series of activities in the area of police work with the victims of crime to improve public perception of police, increase respect for human rights and improve police accountability. The Department facilitated co-operation between Swedish experts in this area and the Serbian NGO “Victimology Society” to commission a publication on police practices concerning the victims of crime. Community Policing During 2010, the LED continued to assist the MoI in developing a community policing approach that suited Serbia’s legal, cultural, social and political context. This activity was based on the Serbian National Strategy for EU Accession, as well as the MoI Development Strategy 2011-16, both of which specifically recommend the development of the community policing concept. Key to fulfilling this recommendation was the creation and implementation of the National Community Policing Plan. In line with the revised MoU, which requires the LED to advise and assist regarding the national plan and the subsequent implementation plan, the LED regularly advocated with the MoI towards this endeavour. In 2010, the LED continued to expand the reach of the Municipal Safety Councils (MSCs) concept throughout Serbia. The Mission, in co-operation with the MoI and local self governments assisted to train and establish MSCs for the South Backa District in Northern Serbia. Multiple MSCs at the local level of the district have been established and the LED provided training in methodology of work of MSCs. Active participation of Local Self Government officials and local police reinforced the improving of police partnerships in this Northern Serbia area. An important aspect of community policing is the enhancement of communication between the media and the police. During the reporting period, the LED, in co-operation with the Mission’s Democratization Department continued organized seminars for the Heads of the 27 Police Districts throughout Serbia and their respective spokespersons, allowing for greater accessibility and co-operation of the police with the media. The regional seminars brought MoI personnel together in direct contact with regional journalists to discuss improved communication efforts. Transversal - Gender Issues In 2010, The LED also supported the establishment of the Southeast Europe Women Police Officers Network (WPON) through providing expertise and advocacy. The WPON was officially established and launched in Sarajevo in November 2010, and the Serbian Police Service’s representative was selected as the first Chair of the Network. The WPON aims to promote and apply the principles of gender equality and democracy in police work, and represents a good example of regional ownership, since the idea originates from the Southeast Europe Police Chiefs Association (SEPCA), which is providing its support. Prior to the official launch of the WPON, the Serbian MoI presented its report on Establishing the Southeast Europe Women Police Officers Network (WPON) - Research Findings. This was the first kind of research on this topic in the region, and provided the baseline for the future work of the WPON network. The report gives recommendations on issues such as: the strategic approach to the enrolment of women in the police service; the issues of selection 57