Finland training Afghan prosecution and police forces

A recent meeting at the Crisis Management Centre in Kuopio saw Northern Savo police representatives educate a group of Afghani prosecution officials and police officers into the machinations of both sides of theft cases.

The fortnight-long visit by the 22 Afghani representatives saw them focus on how their Finnish counterparts use cooperation between police and prosecution to better investigate and resolve crime. The stated aim of the project was to promote similar and more robust investigation of criminal activity in their homeland.

“We are not offering our model to be copied. It would not work there. We give ideas and thoughts on how they could develop their own activities,” said training planner Jari Lehvonen in a report by Helsingin Sanomat.

A new handbook for use by Afghan lawyers and police will be produced following the meetings, tailored specifically to the conditions that exist in that country’s legal system. “Over there, the chain formed by police, prosecutors, and the courts is in a deep swamp. The people do not have confidence in it. This is one way to lift the chain out of the swamp,” said Pekka Kokkonen, a worker with the EU-sanctioned EUPOL programme in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan, still suffering from the ravages of war and lack of security, is endeavouring to rebuild its society with the cooperation of the international community. The ultimate goal of those involved in the summit is to introduce legislation allowing greater cooperation between prosecution and police, a task made all the more difficult given the widespread corruption and illiteracy which pervades the force.