POLICE-RELATED ACTIVITIES OF FIELD OPERATIONS central ASIA programme included theoretical classes as well as bilateral meetings and field visits. From 29 May to 7 June, the Centre organized three training courses at the International Customs Terminal in Ashgabat titled “A Practical Course for Border Agencies Making Examinations and Detections - Persons, Cargoes and Vehicles”. Each of these three separate practical courses, involved 18 officers from the State Customs Service, the State Border Service and the MoIA, based in the capital and the regions. The agenda of the training courses featured up-todate methods of interdicting drugs and chemical, biological and radiological substances, case studies of cross-border crime and discussions on common challenges to open and secure borders. The officials also took part in practical exercises simulating examinations of persons and luggage, and commercial trucks and personal vehicles. This initiative included a ToT course to build instructor capacity and skills of border security officials who attended the first two courses. On 27 June, the Centre observed an official ceremony of burning confiscated drugs and cigarettes at the invitation of the host government. Representatives of international and regional organizations and the diplomatic community in Turkmenistan were present at the burning ceremony. Border Security and Management / Customs From 13 to 17 March, within the framework of an ExB OSCE project on strengthening border guard capacities in Turkmenistan, the Centre, together with the UNDPimplemented EU Border Management Northern Afghanistan (EU-BOMNAF) project, organized the first joint training for border officials from Turkmenistan and Afghanistan. Two training experts presented methods of observing non-verbal behaviour, examining travel and identity documents and detecting imposters to twenty high- and middle-ranking officials from Turkmenistan and Afghanistan. The course is part of the series of activities implemented jointly with BOMNAF in order to enhance capabilities and co-operation between border guards from both countries. The first training was organized in September 2016 in Ashgabat for thirteen middle-rank border police officers from the northern border of Afghanistan who were trained on analyzing information, observation and communication skills as well as human rights issues, including gender awareness. From 18 to 27 April, the Centre organized an Aviation Checkpoint and X-ray Image Interpretation Instructor Training in Ashgabat, gathering 19 officials from the Aviation Security Service of Turkmenistan Airlines, the Transport Police of the Interior Ministry, the State Border Service and the State Customs Service. The nine-day course, which took place within the premises of the Aviation School of Turkmenistan Airlines, explored the operation of modern X-ray machines, advanced methods of screening of passengers and baggage at airport checkpoints. Moreover upto-date international regulations regarding aviation security were presented at the training. The course programme also included a ToT component on training techniques, instructor training design and the development of training materials. As part of the project activities, the Centre provided training software to the Aviation School which will help develop the skills of officials in analyzing X-ray images while screening passengers’ luggage. On 19 and 20 April, the Centre sponsored the participation of a representative from the State Border Service of Turkmenistan in the “Workshop on Emerging Technologies in Border Security and Management” in the framework of the OSCE NFP Network which took place in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. From 1 and 27 May, in the framework of the ExB Project “Strengthening Border Guards Capacities in Turkmenistan”, a Basic Patrolling Course and an Advanced Patrolling Course were held for 17 non-commissioned officers (sergeants) and two senior officers from the State Border Service of Turkmenistan. The training agenda covered basic patrolling, map reading, identification of intruders, smuggling of people, narcotics and weapons, drug trafficking, and FTFs threats. The experts explained surveillance techniques beyond the borderline, pathfinder skills, and navigation with a compass and GPS system, the use of night vision equipment, and situational analysis. They also presented basic desert survival skills, mountain patrolling techniques, and ability to read traces of violations of the border. In addition, information on international law and boundary issues were presented during the course. From 1 to 30 June, a Basic Border Patrolling Course and an Advanced Border Patrolling Course were held for 17 officers from the State Border Service of Turkmenistan. Two experts from Estonia and the UK provided the training, covering basic patrolling, map reading, identification of trespassers, smuggling of people, narcotics and weapons, drug trafficking, FTFs threats, and requirements of patrolling in mountain and desert environments. From 24 to 28 July, the Centre, in co-operation with the TNTD’s Travel Document Security Programme, organized a five-day training course in Ashgabat on the detection of forged documents and imposters. The course brought together 24 representatives from Turkmenistan’s Interior and National Security Ministries, the State Border Service, and the State Migration Service. The training event, led by two experts from 109