communication, as the document sets guiding principles on facilitating inter-ethnic cooperation in terms of safety and security at the municipal level. This AI sets out participatory principles of their functionality and composition. It includes ethnic communities’ representation, and determines more clearly the MCSCs’ procedures and their vertical and horizontal communication lines. In order to ensure that the changes in the legislation were properly communicated to stakeholders at the municipal level, the Department supported the organization of a round table for the mayors of all municipalities in October 2012. During the event, the mayors, as the MCSC chairpersons, were provided with a copy of the new AI. In addition, the DSPS observed that the mayors commenced restructuring of the MCSCs in their respective municipalities according to the requirements of the new AI over the remainder of the year. It was anticipated that this process would be finalized in the first quarter of 2013. Public Safety Awareness In support of its guiding principle that public confidence is a key element in ensuring a transparent security sector, the DSPS’ Public Safety Awareness component continued with activities that led to the improvement of the KP performance in awareness-raising and enhancement of co-operation and interaction between the KP and the people of Kosovo. At the beginning of 2012, the DSPS, in co-operation with OMIK’s DHRC and the KP, continued to monitor the projects “Safety Handbook for Schoolchildren” and “Get to Know Your Police Officer”. In co-operation with the KP Training Department and the KP Press and Public Information Office, the DSPS delivered a series of training courses and workshops to the six KP Regional Directorates and to the high ranking officers of the organization in June. During the series of “Public and Media Relations” courses, 78 participants from all six regions were equipped with techniques on how to handle difficult questions from the media. Additionally, as part of the practical exercise, participants faced job specific scenarios, aiming at developing their skills in giving public statements on a very short notice. The exercises were taped and the appearance and the performance of the trainees in public/media relation events were analysed. During the training course on “Media Communication in Cases of Crisis and Big Events”, which took place from 24-28 September at the KP headquarters, 22 high-ranking KP officers were trained to communicate and respond to the public and media during events classified as emergencies, crises or big events. Participants were trained on how to react in a situation that somehow challenges the public’s sense of appropriateness, tradition, values, safety and security, or the integrity of institutions. They were also trained on how to execute a solid communication plan that will make them the first source of information. As with other mediarelated courses, the training exercises were also taped and the performance of the trainees was analysed. In the last quarter of the year, the DSPS, in co-operation with the MoIA and the agencies operating under the umbrella of the MoIA (KP, PIK, KAPS and the Agency for Emergency Management), worked together to draft and finalize the Communication Strategy and Action Plan 2013-2015. This initiative was taken to strengthen the capacities of the executive agencies to meet communication needs, in order to increase the interest and trust of the general public towards these agencies. The working group drafted the strategy based on applicable laws and regulations in force, as well as on international laws. Once approved, the strategy was expected to regulate the internal and external communication of all law enforcement agencies contributing to the enhanced trust of the public. 57