The European Union and its member states, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Germany, handed over specialized equipment to the Border Police of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Mostar, which includes drones and camera systems for training purposes, and will be used to improve the operational readiness and technical skills of the officers of this police agency.
The BiH Border Police announced that by strengthening modern training capacities, this support contributes to more efficient border management, and to the prevention, detection and investigation of human trafficking and migrant smuggling, while respecting basic rights and protecting vulnerable persons.
Director of the BiH Border Police Mirko Kuprešaković said that today’s event is a confirmation of a strong partnership, mutual trust and joint work on a safe and better protected border.
“I believe that all of us here today share the same goal – efficient, professional and modern border police. On behalf of the Border Police and on my own behalf, I thank the EU for continuous support, the EU4FAST project and the Civipol organization for the professional help and concrete support they provide to our institution,” added Kuprešaković.
He stated that drones are an important step in the further modernization of the Border Police, and added that through professional work, practical experience and the development of new knowledge, the readiness of officers to monitor the border, gather information, support investigations and fight against all forms of cross-border crime continues to be strengthened.
Kuprešaković said that in this way a modern and professional institution is being built, and added that the training of drone operators has already started within the framework of the “EU4FAST” project, with the support of the Civipol organization and will continue throughout the year.
“This ensures that the new equipment is used professionally, safely and responsibly, and that the Border Police will soon have their own certified instructors for training drone operators, which represents an important step in the further development of our capacities,” Kuprešaković added.
He said that security challenges are constantly changing and that police work is becoming more and more demanding, and that is why investing in modern equipment and new technologies is not a luxury – but a necessity.
