On July 16, 2024, the State Police commenced the implementation of a project funded by the European Union’s Internal Security Fund for the 2021-2027 period, numbered VP/IDF/2024/2, titled “Strengthening the fight against serious, organized, and cross-border crime and promoting cooperation with involved countries.”
The primary objective of this project is to enhance the State Police's capacity to prevent and combat organized crime more effectively, thereby creating a secure legal environment for living and economic activity.
To achieve this, the project will strengthen the capacity of the State Police's structural units, both in terms of personnel knowledge and skills, as well as providing the institution with modern technical equipment. In cooperation with the State Police College, police officers will enhance their knowledge in specific areas and acquire practical skills necessary for crime prevention and detection.
Furthermore, a study on the specifics of the circulation of narcotic and psychotropic substances is planned, which will provide insight into their distribution patterns in Latvia and serve as a basis for future drug control activities.
Additionally, within the framework of the State Police's initiative, launched in 2020, for international experience exchange in homicide investigations, annual meetings will be organized. These meetings will provide an opportunity to share information on current cooperation issues, best practices in advanced investigative methods, and maintain a network of experts in the field. The study of foreign experience will allow for initiating changes in Latvian legislation to hold individuals criminally liable for the establishment, management, and participation in criminal organizations, as well as to encourage individuals to provide information, assistance, or testimony in serious or especially serious criminal proceedings or cases related to organized crime in Latvia and abroad.
The total funding for project No. VP/IDF/2024/2 “Strengthening the fight against serious, organized, and cross-border crime and promoting cooperation with involved countries” is 1,922,000 euros, of which 1,441,500 euros comes from the European Union’s Internal Security Fund, and 480,500 euros from the state budget. The project will be implemented from July 16, 2024, to June 30, 2026.
Key points of the project:
Enhancement of police capabilities: The project aims to improve the State Police's ability to combat organized crime.
Training and equipment: Police officers will receive specialized training, and the police will be equipped with modern technology.
Research and analysis: A study on drug trafficking will be conducted to inform future drug control strategies.
International cooperation: The project will foster international cooperation, particularly in homicide investigations.
Legislative changes: There are plans to introduce changes to Latvian law to address organized crime more effectively.
This project is a significant investment in Latvia's fight against organized crime, combining both domestic and international efforts.
