POLICE-RELATED ACTIVITIES OF FIELD OPERATIONS SOUTH-EASTERN EUROPE on tracking hate crimes, as well as to facilitate co-operation modalities with the police and other security stakeholders, and work with schoolchildren in the area of prevention and media in awareness-raising campaigns, especially on informing victims of hate crimes on their rights. On 14 December, the Mission facilitated a workshop with representatives of the KP, Chief Prosecutor’s Office and KJC, to discuss the latest developments in relation to the inter-agency agreement on the treatment of hate crimes. The Mission briefed the audience on the outcome of workshops held in eight police regions in October and November for regional monitoring networks on the investigation and recording of hate crimes.5 It also briefed the participants on the need to establish specialized structures to deal with hate crimes, as well as on clear guidelines to be shared by both KP General Directorate and Chief Prosecutor’s Office in relation to any amendments undertaken in the recording of hate crimes. Specialized Investigations Units / Forensics From 14 to 16 May, the Mission facilitated a hands-on training for three audio and video experts of the Kosovo Agency on Forensics (KAF) to enhance their understanding of image processing, issues affecting images and videos in an investigative context, and to acquire in-depth knowledge of all of Amped’s6 software features. The training was delivered by Amped’s trainers and focused on how to effectively work on real cases and professionally testify on the results. Additionally, the usage, technical and scientific background of practical applications and tools included in the Amped software were thoroughly clarified by the trainers. During the training, forensic experts also applied these techniques to solve simulated cases and enhance their capacity to conduct overall forensic video analysis. In the end, participants received an accredited certificate, which will allow them to analyse criminal evidence in a verifiable forensically sound manner. From 1 to 5 October, the Mission facilitated a specialized training in Zagreb, Croatia, for two experts of the KAF Department of Information Technology on scripting for digital forensic investigators (SCRIPT)7. The training was delivered by the international company, INsig2, and focused mainly on equipping participants with expertise on computer scripting and programming in digital forensics. Through the use of practical applications of the SCRIPT tools, participants 5 In 2017, the Mission, in co-operation with the Kosovo Police, facilitated the establishment of regional monitoring networks to investigate and record hate crimes. Eight such networks, comprised of police investigators, community police officers and prosecutors, were established in all police regions. 6 The Amped company develops global solutions for image and video processing needs relating to forensics, investigations, public security and intelligence. For more information, see https://ampedsoftware.com. 7 www.insig2.eu/insig2-course-andquotscripting-for-digital-forensic-investigator-(script)andquot-no2-59 learned about the importance and scientific background of implemented techniques, after which they also applied them to solve real or simulated cases. Additionally, the knowledge they obtained during this course will help them to create and use scripts that automate common procedures during digital forensic investigations. This will help forensic experts to accelerate the process of discovering evidence and reduce the amount of undetected data. When they successfully completed the course, the KAF experts received internationally recognized certificates. Finally, on 3 December, the Mission facilitated a workshop to support the annual review of the KAF Development Strategy 2016-2020. During the workshop, the strategy’s action plan was reviewed and revised in order to measure and evaluate the implementation, as well as to address challenges faced during the implementation. In general, activities of the action plan were successfully completed as planned and the strategy’s objectives planned with the Mission’s assistance were mostly achieved or are ongoing. Activities which require amendments were identified and the action plan was altered or added to, with the Mission’s suggestions incorporated appropriately. Public Order and Crisis Management On 6 February, the Mission donated 30 first aid bags to the specialized police units and rapid reaction teams in Prishtinë/ Priština. The first aid kits donated to these KP units, which are often exposed to danger while ensuring public safety and security during public gatherings and other critical incidents, contain high-quality medical items that were jointly selected by the Mission and the police. In addition, the Mission delivered 2,000 security information cards that will be distributed to journalists, civil society representatives and other oversight bodies present at public gatherings and police operations. The card was prepared jointly with the police and contains guidance on how to act to avoid potential incidents during public gatherings. From 1 to 12 October, the Mission delivered a two-week ToT on how first responders should act in response to active shooter and "lone wolf" attacks, which was attended by 20 KP officers of specialized units and the Training Division. The training equipped the participants with new skills to effectively and efficiently deal with cases of active shooters in line with local legislation and international human rights standards. It focused on commonalities of how active shooters operate, situation analysis, effective use of both primary and secondary weapon systems under stress, officer survival skills, and how to end an active shooter incident. The training entailed a range of practical tasks, group discussions/ debriefings and scenario-based exercises, using dry firing as well as live ammunition. Following this, the KP is expected to 71